Have you ever wondered if bowling is a good exercise?
You might think it’s just fun and games, but did you know that it can actually help keep you fit and healthy?
Whether your goal is to slim down or stay in shape, consider whether bowling could be the answer. Besides being accessible and affordable, playing this beloved sport also provides physical benefits like increased strength and flexibility as well as aerobic conditioning.
And while there’s no guarantee it’ll make you sweat, by taking on an active role at the alley—including walking around between frames—you’ll definitely increase your heart rate during your session. So join us for an honest look at the fitness potential of bowling!
What are the health benefits of bowling as an exercise?
Have you ever considered bowling as a form of exercise?
Bowling helps boost your metabolism, leading to potential weight loss. Based on your weight and the amount of effort you put in, you can burn anywhere between 150 to 300 calories per hour.
What’s more, each game of bowling involves lifting a 14-pound ball approximately 22 times, making it a great way to build arm and shoulder strength. In fact, a research study from Mayo Clinic has shown that bowlers have stronger upper body muscles than non-bowlers.
Additionally, bowling involves walking and taking approximately 71 steps per minute while playing- resulting in approximately 1,065 walking steps for each game. This is a fantastic way to keep your heart rate up and to get your steps in for the day.
But the benefits don’t stop there- bowling is also a great social activity that can help reduce stress as pointed out in this study. Spending time with friends or family while engaging in physical activity can be an effective way to relieve tension and anxiety.
Moreover, bowling requires mental alertness, concentration, and tactical strategy, which can improve hand-eye coordination and enhance cognitive function.
Other hidden benefits that make bowling a good exercise
Apart from the above-mentioned benefits, bowling can also help improve balance and coordination.
As you approach the alley to deliver your bowls, you must watch your feet location and movements carefully in order to ensure accuracy. This helps keep your posture correct and keeps your body balanced.
Bowling is also a low-impact exercise that’s suitable for people of all ages, from kids to seniors. The gentle swinging motion required to bowl helps you move without putting too much strain on your joints, making it a great way to stay active without exacerbating any existing joint issues.
Finally, bowling alleys are available almost everywhere making it easy and convenient for people of all ages and skill levels to get in on the fun. From automatic bumpers to gutter guards, special equipment is available for beginners and kids to ensure a successful game.
Does bowling make you sweat?
Yes, bowling does make you sweat.
And don’t be surprised if you start to break a sweat after just a few frames. Bowling might not seem like the most strenuous activity, but it actually engages a lot of different muscles and requires quite a bit of exertion.
First of all, you’ll be using your arm muscles to lift and swing the ball. Plus, if you’re not used to bowling, you might find that your form is a little off and you’re using your arm and shoulder muscles in strange ways that can be tiring.
But it’s not just your arms that are working hard during bowling.
Your legs will also be getting a workout as you walk back and forth to the lanes, bend down to pick up the heavy ball and do a little dance as you try to get the ball to curve just right. And let’s not forget about your core muscles, which will be engaged as you stay balanced and steady while you bowl.
On top of all that, the environment of a bowling alley can be pretty warm and humid, especially if it’s crowded.
All those bodies and all that movement can make the air feel thick and sticky, which can lead to even more sweating.
Conclusion
All things considered, bowling can undoubtedly be an excellent form of exercise!
Don’t forget to stay hydrated and take breaks if you start feeling tired or overly warm. Plus, it’s a great way to get your body moving while having fun with friends and family. So what are you waiting for?
Give it a try -you just might find yourself enjoying this classic game more than ever before!
Last updated on March 27, 2023
Jerry Coleman is a professional bowler and experienced bowling blogger. He founded and owns the voelkersbowling.net website, which provides news and information about the sport of bowling. Jerry has competed in numerous tournaments over the years and has won several awards for his bowling skills.
