Health Benefits of Bowling
8 Points to Better Well-Being Spell "DUCKPINS"
Disease Prevention
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the leading risk factors for heart disease, according to WebMD. Exercise, including bowling, lowers your risk of stroke, heart attacks, diabetes, increases bone density, improves circulation, lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and helps your body utilize oxygen better. Try to bowl once or more each week for optimum benefits.
Use and Strengthen Muscles
The average duckpin bowling ball weighs around 3-1/2 pounds. When you repeatedly swing and release the ball, that weight tones your shoulders, arms, chest, and legs. Gripping the ball itself strengthens the muscles in your hands. During a single game, you'll roll the ball an average of 20-30 times. That's a lot of reps!
Calorie Burning
"Keep that body always moving!" Bowling burns anywhere from 175-300 calories an hour -- which is the equivalent of jumping rope for 25 minutes. And with the continual rolling of a ball, you'll keep your circulation moving.
Keen Hand-Eye Coordination
Coordination improves with practice over time, so the more you bowl, the better you'll get.
Physical Rehabilitation
Whether it be recovering from an accident, or adjusting to a new way of functioning, such as in a wheelchair . . . participation in an activity that requires repetition points to bowling as a tremendous outlet. Taking part in an activity that promotes instant gratification and satisfaction, as well as a thrill, brings about self-confidence in one's ability. And, small ball bowling is the perfect solution!
Improved Flexibility
While we're on the subject of gripping and rolling a 3-1/2 pound ball, your strength isn't the only thing that will benefit from this repeated motion. The twisting, lunging, and stretching that bowling requires, improves your flexibility. Every time you extend your arm and body, your joints, ligaments, and muscles are extending with it. Not to mention, carrying extra weight on your upper half instructs your lower half to offset the difference through improved balance and posture.
New and Sustained Interest
Regular exercise, and employing a recurring state of concentration and focus on a particular activity gives you something to look forward to. The fun, challenge, and appeal of "Small Ball" bowling sustains interest.
Social Betterment
Bowling is a social sport. When you're not on the lane, you're usually hanging out with your teammates and friends. According to Psychology Today, people who socialize even once a week tend to have a stronger immunity, and are less likely to suffer from depression and certain types of cancer.