There are many great reasons to join a bowls club, from the community spirit it fosters to the health and wellbeing benefits of the game itself.
Studies have shown that exercise has a number of positive mental health benefits. It can help you sleep better, relieve stress, and release “feel-good” hormones that boost your mood. A game like bowls, with an added element of challenge and friendly competition, can give your mind something to focus on and provide a welcome coping method during times of increased anxiety.
If you belong to an outdoor club, there’s also the added bonus of getting outside and enjoying the fresh air. Always great for blowing out the cobwebs and giving the body a bit of a refresh!
Bowls is a game that can be enjoyed by anyone. Whatever your physique and fitness level, why not give bowls a try? According to Bowls England, bowls has the second highest number of clubs in the country (after football), so you’ll be sure to find a club near you.
When you belong to a bowls club, you become part of a community. Not only is it nice to meet like-minded people in your local area, but friendly competition encourages a sense of camaraderie and team spirit. Being part of a group of people that meets regularly to exercise and socialise together will quickly become an enjoyable part of your weekly routine, while having a positive impact on your overall wellbeing.
As a low-impact and therapeutic form of exercise, bowls offers a gentle way to keep active. There’s a surprising amount of walking involved in bowls (it’s estimated that you can end up walking up to three miles while you play), and lunging into your throws can help to develop your leg muscles. It’s a great workout for your arms too!
Bowls is also good for developing improved coordination, given the aim of the game and the skills required to be good at it.
Bowls clubs are a great place to meet new people and make lasting friends. Very quickly, many people find that they fall into a nice routine of meeting up regularly to play a few games, followed by lunch or coffee at the club restaurant. There’s a lovely social element to bowls, as clubs provide a welcoming and friendly atmosphere that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
You can find your nearest club using the Bowls England club finder. If you’re lucky enough to become a member of a club that uses the Bowlr system, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of easy online booking (no more calling or visiting the club every time you want to book a rink) and being able to input and manage your team’s scores quickly and efficiently.