How good is golf as aerobic exercise?

[AMcC]

Del for what it's worth, I like you had a very inactive job as a sale rep and three years ago went on a health kick.

I downloaded an app called my fitness pal which based on your weight, lifestyle and age gives you a daily calorie allowance abd covers every food out there. You can add exercise and so on to readjust your allowance for the day. According to the app a 3hr round burns 1400 calories and a 4hr round burns 1800

Anyway I used the app to educate me not only of what foods are crap for you but also portion sizes. I lost 2 stone in just under 5 months eating more than I've ever eaten but eating the right foods. You can now link that app to one called pacer which will automatically work out the length of walks and adjust your calories for the day.

A +1 for my Fitness Pal. I downloaded it a while back and started using it recently again. I think it is great, It counts all your calories and tells you what is left for the day. The ability to scan the bar codes from your phone really helps as well. In the beginning it is a bit of a fuss but once you get in to it and start eating the same things again you already have that info saved. I also have a Jawbone UP and that tracks my steps and sleep, but also links with My Fitness Pal.

 

[Foxholer]

Golf is reasonable low intensity exercise, especially if carrying or on a hilly course. It might get the heart rate up a bit but not into the aerobic zone 65-85% of maximum (220-age). You really need to run, cycle, row or something for that. In terms of weight loss, diet usually beats exercise. If you can cut out the rubbish from your diet and adopt sensible portions you will lose weight. Exercise will certainly contribute but it takes a lot of exercise to burn off a McDonalds meal or a late night kebab. Exercise at decent aerobic intensity raised the basal metabolic rate and may contribute to the development of the right sort of fat which is less harmful to health. However a slightly overweight person who exercises is likely to be healthier than a thin person who doesn't.

Listen to the Doctor!

Golf is definitely not an aerobic exercise, but you don't need an aerobic exercise to lose weight! If you want to use Golf for an additional health benefit, then carry - starting with 9 holes. Your course is hilly enough to need 'breaking in'!

If you want an aerobic exercise - in addition to the non-aerobic exercise of several rounds of golf a week - then swimming is the best one imo, especially if at a gym where a proper exercise regime - involving flexibility and other aerobic work - can be personalised!