Health Benefit Of Bowls
Health and Fitness through Lawn Bowling
No one would disagree that people need to stay reasonably fit to remain healthy and active. Many of us may not know how to go about it even though we know that we need to be a little bit fitter.
Not everyone is able to train to run marathons or to spend hours in a gym ‘pumping iron’. Many older people would think more than twice before setting off for a run. However, everyone can benefit from a little increased fitness. “If exercise were a pill”, doctors say, “it would be the most cost effective drug ever invented”.
NHS Approves of Lawn Bowls
According to NHS Choices, “Lawn Bowls is recognised as a low impact therapeutic exercise which can increase fitness and it also sustains coordination and builds confidence”. Lawn Bowls can be enjoyed at any age and without any previous experience. It is not the most energetic of sports, nor is it very effective in reducing weight but it has more players in the UK than Rugby Union. It is particularly suited to maintaining flexibility and hand eye coordination
Age UK promotes Bowling
In several areas of the country, Age UK has formed partnerships with Bowling Clubs. Age UK celebrates and promotes physical exercise for older adults saying “Fresh air and gentle exercise does wonders for fitness and happiness”. The moderate exercise afforded by Lawn Bowls keeps minds active, gives opportunities to socialise in our community and is one of the best things an older person can do to help maintain an independent lifestyle.
Lawn Bowling can help you stay healthy
To stay healthy and to improve health, the NHS says that older adults need two types of physical activity each week; aerobics which basically deals with breathing and strengthening exercises which are to do with joints and muscles. At least 150 minutes of moderate low impact activity and strengthening exercises at least two or 3 times a week, are the recommended minimums. Lawn Bowling can provide that.
Bowling in the fresh air on a nice green lawn provides heart and lung activity which is moderate exercise without undue fatigue. In fact, Lawn Bowling passes all four of the requirements for gentle healthy exercise; it is well organised and can be played regularly; it is systematic in that it enables controlled movements to be repeated and again; it is adaptable and suitable for individual abilities; and it is an outdoor exercise which is played for fun.
Bowl for regular exercise
It is recognised that regular exercise can improve circulation and help reduce the impact of various diseases; osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure and the risk of stroke. It is said that Bowling can improve sleep and be a substitute for sleeping tablets. Enjoying a relaxing sport with friends our moods and improve our memories.
Bowl your way to fitness and friendship – all ages and all abilities can benefit.
Keep active and independent with Bowling
Keeping active is the key to staying fit, mobile and independent. You are never too old to maintain and improve your fitness. A Time magazine headline in Feb 2016 says “scientists have shown that sedentary behaviour is a risk factor for earlier death”; in other words sitting around ensures that you will die earlier than necessary. All the more reason therefore to get up and get out. Lawn Bowling is the perfect alternative.
Don’t let misconceptions get in your way
For many people the decision to play bowls or even to give it a try requires them to overcome many misconceptions. Some would have you believe that it is expensive slow boring and only for old men in stuffy white clothes. Nothing is further from the truth.
Lawn Bowling at Chester Road
The local bowling Green is on Chester Road North in Kidderminster, situated between the Land Oak and the railway bridge.
There will be open days for everyone to TRY BOWLS on the first Sunday May.