Whatever your profession, you need a great hobby to get you out of the clinic or house and take your mind off the daily grind.

There are many ways to care for yourself such as yoga, having enough sleep, a balanced diet, and even engaging in sports can do you better. There are many sports to choose from, but golf is always a winner! It’s played in a beautiful setting, requires some strategic gameplay, and allows for some exercise too (unless you feel like taking the golf cart).

There are a few other reasons that it’s the perfect sport for PTs specifically. If you’re already active, it’s worth adding a round or two of golf to your exercise routine for its health benefits and enjoyment.

Here are our thoughts on why physical therapists should play golf!

It’s Low Impact

As PTs, we understand that protecting the joints is highly important. We see sports injuries all the time, and know the effect that high-impact sports can have.

Naturally, when it comes to playing sports, most PTs are going to be looking for one that goes easy on the joints.

Golf is exactly that. While it’s still important to get your swing form right to minimize the risk of injury, there’s little to no jarring impact like you have in sports such as rugby, cricket, or tennis.

As PTs, we want to take our own advice when it comes to protecting our bodies! We know the consequences later in life if we don’t take precautions, and golf is the perfect way to get in some great exercise that’s safe for the joints too.

It Reduces Stress

The combination of low-impact exercise and being out in the great outdoors has some great stress-reduction benefits.

While being a PT is not necessarily the most stressful job in the world, it does bring with it a certain amount of stress, as with any job.

Even light physical exercise burns calories and can help you maintain a healthy weight. When you add the extra element of being outdoors, you can expect benefits such as:

• Better quality sleep
• Lowered blood pressure
• Lowered cholesterol

As well as physical benefits, nature and exercise can boost mental health! Research indicates that job-related anxiety and depression diminishes with outdoor exercise.

When you’re working a stressful job in an enclosed clinic, getting out on the golf course can be a super way to take the edge off, relax, and let the stresses of the day melt away.

It’s a Great Social Distancing Hobby

PTs spend all day getting up close and personal with their clients. There’s no way to do physical therapy without getting close!

In today’s COVID-19 world, the constant need for sanitization, wearing a mask, and being extra careful can add to the stress and exhaustion of daily life.

Being out on the golf course is the perfect way to get away from it all. If you’re playing alone, you can even remove your mask and breathe in the fresh air without worrying.

Even if you’re playing with friends, it’s easy to socially distance yourself and stay safe on the course.

Conclusion

PTs, if you’re looking for something different to add to your exercise routine, why not try golf? Not only is it low-impact, stress-relieving, and great for socially distancing, but it’s also suitable for players of all levels, alone or in a group, and offers both physical and mental benefits.