Golf is not a very strenuous game but it does require a lot of vigour and stamina. A game of 18 holes is a standard game in golf and it takes at least 3-4 hours to complete. For this, you have to be mentally robust and physically fit especially during winters when energy levels are low and one tends to succumb to various pathogens in the air.
Winters can be disruptive to the game especially if there is fog, chilly wind or rain. With some basic health tips and precautions, you can make golf a more pleasant experience. Here are some ways to stay fit and healthy for golf this winter.
Ways to Stay Healthy for Golf In Winter
Wear Warm Clothes
Golf requires appropriate rig. The clothes for golf have formal overtones so you can dress well without compromising on warmth and comfort. Wear semi-formal trousers, good golfing shoes with woollen socks, a trendy jacket and a woollen shirt to keep you warm. Make sure your head is covered with a woollen cap. If it is windy, you can wear earmuffs to protect your head and ears from the cold. Dressing warmly and adequately will ensure that chilly winds do not make you sick or unwell. Clothing is very important during the winters.
Stay Hydrated
Many golfers make the mistake of not staying hydrated during the winters. This can not only leave you feeling unusually thirsty but also affect your game. You will feel tired and fatigued and may find it difficult to concentrate on your game. In fact, it is recommended that you take a break after nine holes and sip on some hot fluids like hot cocoa or a cup of tea and biscuits. Ask your caddy to keep warm water with him and keep sipping on this throughout the game.
Eat Before you Start
Always have a light meal before starting with your game of golf. You can have some fruit or a peanut butter sandwich, which will keep your blood sugar levels at an even keel and prevent you from getting hungry too soon. Your energy levels will remain high and you will be able to have a good game of golf.
Take your Multivitamins
Winters bring with them all kinds of illnesses including the common cold and the flu. Coming down with a bad attack of flu can put a serious dampener to your game.
Take a course of vitamin C, which will help you to stay energized and enhance your immunity. This in turn will keep colds and flu at bay.
Practice Good Hygiene
Another way of preventing illnesses is by following good hygiene. Wash your hands every time you come in from outside. This will prevent germs from being transmitted to you from infected surfaces.
Take Rest
It is very important to take rest if you are down with a cold. Take over the counter medications for a running nose or seek solace from simple but effective home remedies. You also need to take rest from the game and give yourself time to recuperate before you play your next game of golf. Golf can be very strenuous so it makes sense to take a day’s break in between games.
Wear Well Fitting and Well-Padded Shoes
Wearing the correct golf shoes can make a lot of difference to your comfort levels and your game in general. If the weather outside is cold, wearing flimsy shoes and socks will make your feet chilly and wet and put you at risk for ailments. It is better to wear thick-soled golf shoes with good padding to protect your feet from damp ground. Keeping the same principle in mind, make sure you also wear woollen socks at all times.
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Eat a Balanced Diet
It is very important to eat a balanced diet especially during the winters. Eat a good amount of healthy fats like nuts and avocadoes, which give the body inner warmth and protect your body from the biting cold. You also need to eat enough protein, carbs, vitamins and minerals for sustained, high immunity. A balanced diet will keep you healthy and strong and will enable you to enjoy a good game of golf.
Stay Physically Fit in Other Ways
It is very important to do other forms of exercise to ensure that you stay supple and strong for golf. Enjoy a long walk on alternate days. This will increase your stamina for a long and arduous game of golf.
You can also try some yoga for strength and flexibility. Golf as a game requires a lot of strength and flexibility to be supple. If your muscles and joints are supple, you will be able to take long shots and will also improve upon your swing with the golf club.
Avoid Illness Triggers
Eating and drinking cold foods, drinking too much of coffee and alcohol can play havoc with your immunity and make you suffer from various illnesses. Stay away from vices like drinking and smoking as they will affect your general health and in turn your game.
Sleep Well
Make sure you retire early and get at least 7 hours of sleep. Most golfers like to get in an early game of golf. This makes it necessary that you sleep early the previous day. If you do not get enough sleep the night prior to your game, you will feel groggy and tired and will not enjoy your game.
Do Saline Gargles and Steam Inhalation
As a precautionary measure, it is better to keep your throat and nasal passages clear during the winter season. This step should be followed especially if you have been practicing for an important tournament. It will also keep the common cold and flu at bay especially when you have an important game just around the corner.
By following the above steps, you will always stay fit and healthy during winters and enjoy a meaningful game of golf. Take necessary precautions, keep yourself hydrated and make sure you eat well to stay strong and energized. Factor in rest periods to help your body to recover.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.