Golf, for a lot of us, is our primary form of exercise. Our way of getting some steps in, getting our heart pumping and our muscles moving.
And just as there are ways to get better at the game of golf, new technologies are emerging to help golfers improve their health along the way.
To learn more about them I called up Alexa Lobarto and Carson Gantzer, a pair of experts at Human Powered Health who together just opened a new clinic in Scottsdale. Their facility administers DEXA scans, force plate testing, grip strength measures, sweat sodium analysis, and VO2 max tests to help golfers upgrade their health.
"You can't manage what you don't measure," says Lobarto. "And what we find is when golfers have this information, it becomes much easier to make the right changes, whether that's for health or golf performance," Lobarto says.
1. Bone density
Bone density might sound intimidating, but it's hugely important to long-term health. Exercise, and specifically, strength training, can improve your bone density which gives you stronger bones.
Peak bone mineral density, Lobarto and Gantzer explain, happens around age 30, and declines steadily afterward. You can slow the decline with strength training.
"Think of it like a retirement account. You want to be a bone millionaire by the time you're 30," says Gantzer. "Because after that, you're basically living off what you built."
2. VO2 max
One thing that walking when you play golf is great for is increasing your aerobic capacity. The less of it you have, the faster your body fatigues—that means lazy golf swings.
The more active you are, the more your aerobic capacity will increase.
"Eighteen holes is a long walk, especially in heat," Gantzer says. "If your VO2 max is low, your body fatigues, and when you're tired, your movement quality drops."
3. Ankle mobility
How mobile are your ankles? Turns out, your ankles are a key joint in your body. Poor mobility there can create problems further up your legs, hips and back which can hurt your swing.
"Ankle mobility is a low-hanging fruit," Lobarto adds. "A lot of people struggle there, and it affects everything up the chain without them realizing it."
4. Sweat analysis
Hydration is essential, whether you're on the golf course or not. One way Lobarto and Gantzer measure this is by analyzing golfers' sweat. They see what and how much they lose as they play, and give recommendations on a hydration plan for future rounds. And again, that's important: If golfers lose just two percent of their body mass through sweat during a round, their coordination, strength, and decision-making all start to deteriorate.
"We're not just measuring in a climate-controlled room," Gantzer says. "We'll patch you up and send you outside to get real numbers."
It's real numbers like these that are important. Use the game of golf right, and it's not just a hobby. It can be an avenue to a better life when you're off the course.