The Best Exercise You Are Probably Not Doing

It’s not interval training. It’s not CrossFit. It’s not Pilates or yoga.

One of the best exercises for your overall health, and longevity turns out to be … golf.

Golf? Really?

Yup. Golf is longer only for the country club set; today nearly 50 million Americans embrace this activity on traditional courses, par-three courses, and facilities like Top Golf. Better still,  this sport isn’t only good for your physical and mental health; it can also help you enhance your career, bond with friends, and even meet men. Here are seven reasons to consider adding “golfer” to your identity.

Reason #1: You’ll stay in (even better) shape. Golf is a low-impact sport that you can take up, or continue to do, in midlife and beyond. “Especially over the age of 50, you really want to look at low-impact exercise,” says Jodie Needham, a personal trainer, nutritionist, and public speaker who lives in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. “Golf is easier on the joints, hips, and back, and allows you to get zone 2 cardio [low-intensity cardio that lets you burn calories with little stress on your body] when you’re walking.” It’s also good for balance and, if you carry your clubs, is a strength-training workout as well.

Reason #2: It’s good for your brain. Golf isn’t only a physical game — it’s a mental one. “Golf improves focus and concentration, and boosts your cognition,” says Needham. “It’s also good for your memory, especially if you play the same course.” And the need to concentrate on your swing with every shot promotes mindfulness, your ability to focus on what’s happening in the present moment.

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Reason #3: You’ll lower your stress levels. Had a stressful day, or week? Golfing is great for letting off steam. “Golf is a game, and it creates playfulness,” says Needham. It also encourages deep breathing and patience, and can help reduce cortisol, a stress hormone. Because it takes a while to play, it can provide a much-needed respite from your daily stressors, especially if you’re playing with friends. Plus, if you’re outside, you get a healthy dose of vitamin D (just remember to wear sunscreen!).

Reason #4: It’s good for your career. Own your own business? Want to go further in your career? Connect with clients, or potential customers? Golf can be your secret weapon. “I always say, deals happen on the golf course,’” says Needham. “When women learn to golf, they can compete — and with women’s tees [which mean that women play less yardage compared to men], you’re competing on an equal footing. You can play with a man as an equal.”

Reason #5: You’ll live longer. Thanks to the physical and mental benefits of golf, this hobby may even help expand your lifespan. Research suggests that regular golfers live up to five years longer than non-golfers.