Health and Fitness through Lawn Bowling

Health and Fitness through Lawn Bowling

No one would disagree that people need to stay reasonably fit to remain healthy and active. Many of us may not know how to go about it even though we know that we need to be a little bit fitter.

Not everyone is able to train to run marathons or to spend hours in a gym ‘pumping iron’. Many older people would think more than twice before setting off for a run. However, everyone can benefit from a little increased fitness. “If exercise were a pill”, doctors say, “it would be the most cost effective drug ever invented”.

NHS Approves of Lawn Bowls

According to NHS Choices, “Lawn bowls is recognised as a low impact therapeutic exercise which can increase fitness and it also sustains co-ordination and builds confidence”. Lawn bowls can be enjoyed at any age and without any previous experience. It is not the most energetic of sports, nor is it very effective in reducing weight. It is particularly suited to maintaining flexibility and hand eye co-ordination.

Age UK promotes Bowling

In several areas of the country, Age UK has formed partnerships with bowling clubs. Age UK celebrates and promotes physical exercise for older adults saying “Fresh air and gentle exercise does wonders for fitness and happiness”. The moderate exercise afforded by lawn bowls keeps minds active, gives opportunities to socialise in our community and is one of the best things an older person can do to help maintain an independent lifestyle.

Lawn Bowling can help you stay healthy

To stay healthy and to improve health NHS says that older adults need two types of physical activity each week; aerobics which basically deals with breathing and strengthening exercises which are to do with joints and muscles. At least 150 minutes of moderate low impact activity and strengthening exercises at least two or 3 times a week, are the recommended minimums. Lawn bowls can provide that.

Bowling in the fresh air on a nice green lawn provides heart and lung activity which is moderate exercise without undue fatigue. In fact, lawn bowls passes all four of the requirements for gentle healthy exercise; it is well organised and can be played regularly; it is systematic in that it enables controlled movements to be repeated and again; it is adaptable and suitable for individual abilities; and it is an outdoor exercise which is played for fun.

Bowl for regular exercise

It is recognised that regular exercise can improve circulation and help reduce the impact of various diseases; osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure and the risk of stroke. It is said that lawn bowls can improve sleep and be a substitute for sleeping tablets. Enjoying a relaxing sport with friends our moods and improve our memories.

Bowl your way to fitness and friendship – all ages and all abilities can benefit.

Don’t let misconceptions get in your way

For many people the decision to play bowls or even to give it a try requires them to overcome many misconceptions. Some would have you believe that it is expensive slow boring and only for old people in stuffy white clothes. Nothing is further from the truth.

Lawn Bowls in Spring Park

The local bowling green is in one corner of Shirley Church Recreation Ground, at the top of Spring Park Avenue, near the tennis courts and is home to Spring Park Shirley Bowling Club. In addition, the club organise away days to Canterbury, Herne Bay and Eastbourne. There are also other social events during the year.

There will be open days for everyone to TRY BOWLS from Sunday 5th May to Saturday 11th May 2024. We are also open for people to have a go on the first Sunday of each month from May until September. Everyone will always be made welcome if they just drop in when any of the members are playing.