If the monotonous hurly burly of the city life has got into your nerves and you feel like running away into hiding, try mountain biking. Mountain biking is an activity that helps you transcend into greener pastures that are away from the civilization and the drudgery of everyday life. If you are thoroughly sick of your daily mundane routine and want an escape, check out what mountain biking has to offer.
It works like Therapy
If you are frustrated and need to blow off some steam, mountain biking gives you an effective and positive way to vent all your pent-up negativity. Just kick off and hummer it out on a mountain ride. It works better than psychotherapy for some!
You get some thrill in life
As an adventure sport, mountain biking evokes a spirit of exploration and risk-taking. Taking up mountain biking fills up your life with thrilling experiences of darting through rickety bridges, scaling up arrogant peaks, dodging obstacles and coming back to civilization glazed in mud, sweat and an air of adventurous accomplishment.
An awesome activity to get fit
Workouts on treadmills or sweating out in the gym does not always promise everyone a blast. Kicking up in the gym could be a great idea for the motivated but for people with consistency issues, working out is often another mundane liability. With mountain biking, every leg burn and every lung stifling climb rewards you with a real feeling of achievement!
You get healthier lungs
Unlike the city air that is polluted by the angry buses, cars and trucks, mountain bikers get to fill their lungs with fresh and sweet scented air of the mountains. There is nothing better than breathing into the cool forest air that is an awesome welcome change!
Offers you a great escape
If not anything else, mountain biking provides a perfect escape from the daily rut and rift. While on your bike ride, your brain would be entirely detached from all your problems and worries. Breathtaking landscapes, challenging trails and unadulterated beauty of nature would keep you captivated.
If you have previously experienced mountain biking and loved it, it is time to get back to it. If you are inexperienced and wonder where to start, research about easy trails and techniques that makes mountain biking for beginners equally fun. Make sure you use all the protective gear before you pedal away! Happy Riding!
It is extremely tough to master the nuances of a complex sport like golf. Beginners, in particular, can find it to be exhausting and confusing because of the multiple rules and equipment involved. While one has to work hard on their skills, with the right clubs, golfing can turn into the most rewarding experience.
The following are some common types of golf clubs newbies should know of.
Woods
These types of golf clubs were initially made of wood; however, they are now created with materials like steel or titanium. Woods are useful for propelling the golf ball to the farthest distances. The heads of such clubs are large and rounded, whereas their base is flat, which allows the player to effortlessly swing the club over the ground. Driver and fairways are the two most popular kinds of woods used.
Irons
The irons are used once the player is closer to the green, i.e., when one is within 200 yards of the hole. The iron golf set covers clubs numbered from 3 to 9 and a pitching wedge. The lower numbered irons can be a little tricky to use. Therefore, several beginners adjust their golf set by picking a few wood clubs so that they could comfortably strike the ball and at the same time cover big distances.
Wedges
The pitching wedge is incorporated in the standard iron set; however, one will need to purchase other types of wedges too. These golf clubs have a high loft with a short shaft and come in handy for hitting the ball over the tree or removing the golf ball from the sand. The sand, gap, and lob are some popular sorts of wedges that can be bought separately. However, the beginners, usually only need the pitching edge. They can buy the additional variety as their level of play advances.
Putters
Every golfer needs putter in their set as it serves an essential purpose, i.e., pushing the ball in the hole when the player is on the green. The putter clubs are available in 3 different styles, including heel-toe, mallet, and traditional blade. Mallets are the recommended option for most beginners. Generally, standard putters are 32 to 36 inches long; however, one can get them customized based on their comfort.
Hybrids
Also called as utility clubs, hybrids are a comparatively a newer addition in professional and recreational golf. The hybrids combine the shaft of the irons and the head of the fairway wood. They are designed to replace the lower numbered irons that are difficult to play with. These clubs cover the same distances as irons but are easier to swing, making them ideal for beginners.
A seasoned player or rookie, it is important to know that the key to a good golf game is using the right club. At times, choosing a golf club can turn into a daunting task because of the extensive range of golf clubs that are available in the market. Several players, especially, beginners make the blunder of buying clubs that don’t agree with their swing mechanics or level of play. Therefore, before making a purchase, here are some essential factors one should scrutinize.
Golf club length
It is imperative for a player to get a golf club of the right length. Standard golf clubs are designed for men and women with an approximate height of 5 foot 10 inches. If players are taller or shorter than the stated height, then they will need to get their golf clubs customized. Likewise, physical strength also needs to be taken into consideration. So, individuals with short stature can opt for lighter golf clubs so that it doesn’t interfere with their swing power.
Grips
The grips are crucial for maintaining the player’s control over the golf club. Going for the wrong grips can impede one’s golf game. There are four types of grips to choose from, i.e., the standard grip, the under-sized grip, the mid-sized grip, and the over-sized grip. Moreover, they come in a variety of textures like smooth, coarse, and abrasive. To pick the best grips, one should consult a professional golf fitter.
Shaft material
The shaft of the golf club makes up for the majority of its weight. Typically, these shafts are created using graphite or steel. Graphite shafts are comparatively more expensive. However, they are lighter and render better distance with every swing. Moreover, their lightness makes it simpler for the player to swing. This feature could benefit people who significantly lack arm strength. Alternatively, steel is heavier and cheaper but makes a great option for individuals who have a good arm strength and need the additional weight to restrain their swings.
Accessories
While buying a golf club, one should ensure to buy some essential accessories like a golf bag, gloves, and shoes. Although it is optional to use gloves and golf shoes, these accessories can come in handy. The gloves can improve the grip on the golf club, and the shoes can prevent the player from slipping and falling on the course.