The US Census Bureau, in a report announced that some two and a half hours per week of a physical activity, aerobic in nature, quite like swimming can decrease the risk of chronic mental and physical disease. The benefits of swimming are umpteen, apart from being a fun filled recreational activity, swimming is known to have worked wonders with the human body. From making the body aesthetically ‘appealing’ to making the organs like the heart and lungs healthy, swimming does it all! Let us quickly run through some popular health benefits of swimming.
Physical fitness
It is quite well known that swimming helps burn a good amount of calorie, however, that depends on three things- your technique, pace and the basal metabolic rate. If these factors are in place, swimming indeed remains one of the best exercises that helps one reduce weight and tone muscles. Different swimming styles work on different areas of the body. Unlike most of our daily activities (or even other swimming strokes) backstroke helps open chest muscles. It also strengthens the upper back, pulls your shoulders back and helps create better posture. Breaststroke emphasizes the legs and core, while butterfly develops a powerful back, shoulders, arms and core. Both freestyle and backstroke help develop your core as well as strengthen your arms and legs. Swimming also helps use muscles that are usually under worked. While swimming, both the hands and the feet move in coordination and one has to maintain a balance to float on the water, this helps develop the deep stabilizing muscles in the core, lower back, hamstrings, gluts, lats, deltoids and traps.
Improves appetite
Swimming is also known to improve eating disorders. People with no, low or decreased appetite can increase their appetite manifolds by incorporating swimming in their lifestyle.
Healthier organs
Swimming can also help alleviate the symptoms of exercise induced asthma. It also increases vital lung capacity and improves breathing patterns. Studies show that swimming has beneficial effects on the heart as it helps reduce and regulate blood pressure.
Physiotherapy
Swimming is among one of the best therapies to recover from injuries. Swimming ensures minimal injuries and minimal heat exhaustion. It helps recuperate quickly in cases of fractures, frozen shoulders and ligament tear without feeling wear and tear in the body.
Since swimming has all the three elements of physical activities namely endurance, strength and flexibility, it qualifies as one of the best and most effective sport. If you are looking to delay the effects of aging, reduce blood pressure, increase muscle mass, improve oxygen and blood flow to the brain, and increase cardiovascular health, make sure you regularly go for a dip.
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.