Is golf just a leisurely stroll, or does it deserve a spot in our exercise routines? This question has sparked a lively debate, especially after Harvey Spevak, the executive chairman of the luxury gym Equinox, weighed in, suggesting golf falls short as a proper form of exercise. He quipped, "You’re hitting a little white ball around a golf course — using a golf cart and drinking at the ninth hole. It’s fun, it’s recreation. But I don’t think it’s exercise."
For many golf enthusiasts, this was a tough pill to swallow. But what about other less strenuous sports? Do they count?
According to NHS England's guidelines, to qualify as exercise, we should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week, or a combination of both. But what exactly constitutes 'vigorous'? The 2021 Health Survey for England classifies activities like climbing, hockey, martial arts, running, and squash as vigorous. Others, such as aerobics, badminton, boxing, cycling, football, hill-walking, skiing, swimming, tennis, and gym workouts, also make the cut if they leave you feeling out of breath or sweaty.
Golf's growing popularity, especially among younger generations since the Covid pandemic, has added fuel to the fire.
Dr. Alan Ruddock, a sport physiology professor at Sheffield Hallam University, points out that even though a fit person might not break a sweat during a round of golf, it can still be physically demanding, particularly for beginners.
But here's where it gets controversial... Research from 2023 suggests golf might be more beneficial than a simple walk. A Finnish study published in the journal BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine found that an 18-hole round of golf had a slightly better impact on lowering blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels compared to an hour of brisk walking or Nordic walking. An 18-hole round, which can take three to five hours, can burn between 1,200 and 1,500 calories if you walk the entire course and carry your clubs. Players typically cover four to five miles during an average round.
What about other sports that aren't always seen as strenuous?
Darts has long fought for recognition as a sport and a form of exercise, often battling its association with pubs. In 2005, Sport England officially recognized it, followed by all four UK nations. The England Darts Organisation has worked hard to prove its physical aspects. They even attached a pedometer to then-World Champion Martin Adams during a tournament. Adams noted he walked 33,000 paces (25 kilometers) over a nine-day tournament, emphasizing the stamina required. Tommy Thompson, chairman of the England Darts Organisation, confirmed the physical demands of darts competitions. Despite these efforts, darts is still striving for Olympic inclusion.
However, Dr. Ruddock believes darts doesn't offer the necessary physical exertion to be classified as exercise.
Tai Chi, a series of slow, meditative movements, is classified as 'moderate' exercise by the NHS. Barry McGinlay, a Tai Chi world champion, highlights its benefits for both physical and mental health. While it can be practiced as a sport, it also has deep roots in Chinese culture and philosophy.
Bowls, a British lawn sport, is considered 'light' exercise by the NHS. However, it can improve balance, coordination, and strength. Peter Thompson, chief executive of the English Indoor Bowling Association, describes bowls as a sport that requires skill, technique, physical coordination, balance, and fine motor control. Lisa Graham, managing director of the Bowls Development Alliance, agrees, stating that bowls involves physical skill, balance, and coordination. Players can walk roughly two to three miles during a game.
Dr. Ruddock emphasizes that the classification of an activity as exercise is relative. For instance, what might be light exercise for one person could be moderate for another, depending on their individual fitness levels.
So, what do you think? Does golf, darts, or any of these other 'light' sports deserve more recognition as forms of exercise? Do you agree with the NHS guidelines, or do you have a different perspective on what constitutes a good workout? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
