Health Benefits of Disc Golfing…

Okay, I recently started playing Disc Golf (Frisbee Golf) this summer. I had always known what it was after seeing a few courses at parks that I visited, but I never got into it. I was always so bad at throwing Frisbees and thought it would be pointless for me to try. I borrowed a few discs from my S.O. to start off. He’s been playing for 15 or so years. We have a relatively easy course right next to my house, so that’s where we started. There are courses ALL over the Twin Cities, and we are still exploring.

I wear a fitness watch and love getting out and playing because it gets unbelievable steps in. There are a lot of other great health benefits of disc golfing that you may not even think of. Many of these can also apply to other sports as well.

1. Okay first off, Disc is just plain fun! Having an activity that you enjoy doing will get you out and playing more often. Let’s be honest…throwing a disc around for a half an hour is a LOT more fun than jogging around the block three times and you get the same number of steps.
2. We all know the joy of practicing so hard on something that you get to see the end result. Sinking a nice putt will give you a sense of accomplishment and it will get you back out the course day after day.
3. It gives you a nice break from your normal routine. As someone who works at least two jobs at all times, I enjoy a great cheap way to break up my work schedule in a healthy way. It gets my mind off thinking about work or errands for at least an hour.
4. Similarly, Disc Golf can relieve stress. You get away from your computer or phone screen which cause most of our stress, start getting endorphins pumping, and just relax and have fun. It’s a great way to unwind from the day. Who knows? Maybe if you’re a little frustrated you might throw your drive a little farther for a little stress relief 🙂
5. As someone who studied architecture and physics, Disc Golf is a great way to put it into practice. Trying to understand how each disc flies, and what you need for a specific hole will help you sink it easier. Wind will be a factor, so trying to work around that will help you practice that old high school physics we all forgot about. It’s all about problem solving.
6. Disc Golf is a mental sport. The only one who affects your shot is you and the wind 🙂 . As you play, your confidence will build with your good days and fade with the bad ones. It’s all about getting back out there and being the best you can on each hole.
7. Persistence. This one ties along with the last one. There will be great days/weeks/months and bad ones. Some courses are just plain hard! You may be getting used to new discs, or any other hiccup you might be having. Just keep playing and take one hole at a time. Just remember, if you had a bad round…it’ll be even easier to beat the next time around 🙂
8. As a gymnast, I have always had to be overly aware of what my body is doing in space. Disc golf is the same way. You have to be aware of every little thing that could contribute to your throw. This includes fingers, hands, arms, feet, chest, everything! If you have one tiny thing off, your disc could end up in a parking lot! This sport gives a real sense of body awareness.
9. Nature. Some good some bad. I love getting out and seeing the woods and parks in my neighborhood that I wouldn’t necessarily see any other way. In my area, there are mosquitoes EVERYWHERE! Even with bug spray I get eaten alive. I can’t wait for fall days when I don’t have to worry about this and can just enjoy the nature around me. My S.O. has been known to see woodpeckers, deer, turkeys, and giant spiders, etc. while Disc Golfing. It’s a great way to get some fresh air!
10. The people. I had no idea how many other people played Disc Golf until I started playing! Everyone is so proud to be in that community that they will help you improve your game whether they know you or not. I have had complete strangers ask to play with me and give me pointers. It’s a great community that you will love to be a part of.

 

As if you needed another reason to go throw your disc….well now you have 10! Have fun and be safe! Remember your bug spray! Bring water!

---

I hope that these tips and tasty tidbits motivate you to live slightly healthier today.

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, compliments, please contact me on the contact page. Subscribe for more healthy living motivation, and go ahead and ‘Like’ away!

Look here for my latest post…First Triathlon Tips