Bowling is a low-impact exercise that helps people of all ages and fitness levels stay active. It promotes the growth of muscles, increases balance and flexibility, and burns calories.

During a typical three-game series, a bowler walks about a half mile. The repeated flexing, bending, and stretching of the arms to throw the ball tones these muscles and improves balance and strength.

Improves Coordination

Bowling may not be the first sport that comes to mind when considering a fitness routine, but it can offer many benefits. The physical activity improves hand-eye coordination and balance, while the social element of the game fosters community and connection. In addition, the mental focus and problem-solving involved in bowling can help keep your brain sharp.

While most people consider bowling a cardio exercise, it can also provide strength training. Using proper form when picking up and throwing the ball exercises muscles in your arms, back, and legs.

Plus, walking from the chair to the ball return and back to your lane also burns calories. According to Purdue University’s Convert Activities to Steps website, the average player walks about 71 steps per minute during a three-game series. That’s about half a mile! That’s a significant amount of exercise for something that doesn’t feel like a workout.

Strengthens Muscles

Bowling is a great way to get a light cardio workout without the strain that running or weight lifting can put on your joints. A typical bowler walks about half a mile during a game of three games.

This walking strengthens leg muscles while requiring bowlers to lunge and twist frequently as they approach the lane. The repetitive movements strengthen the abdominal muscles and promote balance. Bowlers also need to use their upper body strength when throwing the ball. This can be improved through resistance exercises and core training.

Bowling also provides a fun night out with friends or family, a great stress reliever. Stress is terrible for your health and has been linked to high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, and heart disease. Regular bowling at Jack London Square bowling can combat the effects of stress while helping you stay healthy and active.

Increases Flexibility

Bowling requires a high level of balance and coordination, which can be enhanced through exercise routines that increase stability and flexibility. Yoga or stretching exercises, for example, can help you hone your balance and improve your ability to throw the ball down the lane.

Unlike other aerobic exercises, which may stress your knees and joints, bowling is low-impact. The continuous movement of walking back and forth to retrieve the ball from the machine and the lane is enough to increase your heart rate and contribute to your overall cardiovascular health.

Plus, according to a Purdue University fitness paper on Converting Activities into Steps, you walk an average of 71 steps per minute during a game. That means that in a 4-game evening of bowling, you could burn anywhere from 320 to 400 calories! The social aspect of bowling also stimulates endorphins and helps relieve stress, making it the best option for people looking to stay active and healthy.

Increases Endurance

Although you may not think of bowling as a workout, it does provide a good source of cardio. It requires you to stand and throw a ball in short bursts of time over and over again. This repetitive exercise helps to strengthen the muscles and tendons without increasing the risk of overuse injuries that are common in other repetitive sports such as running.

It’s also a great way to socialize with friends and family; plus, it gets the heart rate up and improves circulation. This can be beneficial for people with high blood pressure.

In addition, bowling is a low-impact activity that can be done at any age and doesn’t require specialized equipment or a gym membership. The average person can burn about 240 calories in an hour of bowling, equivalent to walking a mile! So don’t be afraid to try it! Just be sure to warm up and stretch beforehand.