Get gentle exercise and toned limbs with a spot of bowling
Although many people exercise in the gym or go running to lose weight and get super-fit, others may simply want a way of toning themselves up while getting their cardiovascular system moving just a little.
If you've tried gentle forms of activity such as swimming, how about giving bowls a go? The British Crown Green Bowling Association insists that despite its rather twee reputation, it is actually “ a sport for all ages ”.
“ It can and will provide many years of enjoyment and interest to all players, ” the organisation added, pointing out that people who get really good can play for county or even national level if they want to compete.
The objective of bowls is to roll slightly asymmetrical balls so that they stop as close as possible to a smaller ball called a jack or sometimes kitty. It is usually played outdoors, but can be taken inside during the winter to prevent players getting wet and cold!
Crown green bowling is generally seen as the more challenging version of the sport, as players can send the jack anywhere on the whole green, which undulates like a golf course.
Bowls can be great for people who want a gentle introduction to something they should get a lot of pleasure out of. In his pamphlet Physical Fitness for Lawn Bowling, Rob Judson said players just need a little endurance and limb flexibility, although they may need to train a little if they intend to compete.
However, don't take this to mean that bowls is terribly dull and will involve you standing around for hours on end. As was recently demonstrated by the Isle of Wight Under-18s Open Bowls Championship, it can be exciting and require both concentration and stamina.
Teenage finalists Travis Meller and Jack Berry played 52 ends over five hours before Berry won by 11 shots to nine in what was described as an exciting game by the Isle of Wight Gazette.
The British Crown Green Bowling Association said this demonstrates the sport's wide-ranging appeal.
“ All the family can play crown green bowls, from grandchildren to grandparents and it is a great sport for making new friends. It is a non-contact sport which is enjoyed by all, ” it commented.
You may find a club at your local park, so why not go along and give bowling a try soon? It could improve both your general fitness and your social life!
If you've tried gentle forms of activity such as swimming, how about giving bowls a go? The British Crown Green Bowling Association insists that despite its rather twee reputation, it is actually “ a sport for all ages ”.
“ It can and will provide many years of enjoyment and interest to all players, ” the organisation added, pointing out that people who get really good can play for county or even national level if they want to compete.
The objective of bowls is to roll slightly asymmetrical balls so that they stop as close as possible to a smaller ball called a jack or sometimes kitty. It is usually played outdoors, but can be taken inside during the winter to prevent players getting wet and cold!
Crown green bowling is generally seen as the more challenging version of the sport, as players can send the jack anywhere on the whole green, which undulates like a golf course.
Bowls can be great for people who want a gentle introduction to something they should get a lot of pleasure out of. In his pamphlet Physical Fitness for Lawn Bowling, Rob Judson said players just need a little endurance and limb flexibility, although they may need to train a little if they intend to compete.
However, don't take this to mean that bowls is terribly dull and will involve you standing around for hours on end. As was recently demonstrated by the Isle of Wight Under-18s Open Bowls Championship, it can be exciting and require both concentration and stamina.
Teenage finalists Travis Meller and Jack Berry played 52 ends over five hours before Berry won by 11 shots to nine in what was described as an exciting game by the Isle of Wight Gazette.
The British Crown Green Bowling Association said this demonstrates the sport's wide-ranging appeal.
“ All the family can play crown green bowls, from grandchildren to grandparents and it is a great sport for making new friends. It is a non-contact sport which is enjoyed by all, ” it commented.
You may find a club at your local park, so why not go along and give bowling a try soon? It could improve both your general fitness and your social life!
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