The Health Benefits of Playing Bowls

Do you remember the Australian movie Crackerjack? Jack Simpson (Mick Molloy) is a bloke who joins his local bowls club for the sole reason of parking. When the club hits financial trouble, he’s forced to bowl competitively in an attempt to save the club from becoming a poker machine haven.

Some people think bowls is a game for the silver-haired, but this movie shows how bowls is enjoyable for all ages; even shaggy haired selfish types like Jack Simpson.

Research shows that bowls conveys a number of health benefits to players including:

Increased lean mass and improves body composition

All physical activity requires muscular work. Bowls might not be the most aggressive or demanding exercise, but it still provides a stimulus for maintaining muscle mass – particularly in the lower body.

Improved vascular health

Research shows playing lawn bowls is the same intensity as walking, horseback riding, golf and laundry work. The WHO suggests 150 minutes or more per week of exercise at this intensity reduces the risk of vascular disease.

Promotion of independence and functional ability

Such exercise helps you maintain and even improve important daily functional abilities. It assists with stability, mobility and continence, and above all else confidence in physical capabilities.

Improved cognitive health

The sport requires coordination, strategy, agility and strategy. Refining your tactics, concentrating for long periods of time and paying attention helps maintain motor skills by keeping the brain working.

Improved mood, social relationships and enjoyment

Bowls is a community sport. It’s a pastime where like-minded people come together to enjoy competition, camaraderie and some good physical activity. As we’re all social creatures, it’s definitely a reason to get out of bed in the morning.

• Topics:

• Health & Wellbeing
• Bowls