The need to lead the ideal life’ has coaxed people into accepting pressure as a part of their daily lives. Where does this leave them? At the young age of 30, many people are diagnosed with hypertension and other stress-induced disorders. Well, 30 is not the age where you fall prey to such ailments, 30 is the age where you would take some time off and go globetrotting.
If you feel you can’t bear the pressures of life and are suffering from anxiety disorders or plain stress, you need to make amends to your lifestyle. If going to the gym and pumping weights still fail to channelize your anxiety, then you need to think out of the box.’ Researchers have linked being in the midst of nature to a healthy mental state. So, bring your routine outdoors and what better way to start than going jogging?
Jogging is known for its ability to aid weight loss, curbing your chances of a cardiovascular attack, but what remains unacknowledged is that it improves your mental health.
Relieves stress– Your never-ending work or your messy personal life can be a cause of constant stress. Instead of popping anti-depressants or taking up smoking to combat stress, try jogging for a change. Jogging in the serenity that nature provides you with is a therapy in itself. Jogging releases the feel good’ hormone known as endorphins that would immediately make you feel happy and relaxed.
Fights pain– Many times, the pain we experience is not because of an activity, it is because we are inactive. An inactive life is what weakens our muscles and bones and the pain we experience is because we have become dormant. So, a 20 minutes jog might do wonders for your body and the pain would cease.
Reduces aggression– If you are easily annoyed or persistently angry, then you need to channelize your aggression. Instead of paying the counselor for your anger management classes, invest in good shoes and start jogging. Jogging improves your mood and all the pent-up aggression can finally be relieved.
Fights depression and anxiety– Depression and anxiety rot your mental health slowly. If you are caught up in the monotonous daily regime without indulging in any activity that has the feel-good’ factor, you would become more depressed. Instead, go jogging early morning, your body would feel great and slowly your mind too would be on the same plane as your body is.
We pay a great deal of attention to our physical needs and neglect our mental health. The importance of mental health is manifested in the saying- a healthy mind creates a healthy body.’
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.