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COVER STORY

BOWLING FOR FUN, FITNESS

By Chad Ruiz

aybe it’s the try. With nearly 4,500 bowling hour, making it a great weight-loss
camaraderie that alleys in the U.S. sporting almost exercise. Just don’t succumb to
attracts nearly 95,000 lanes, it’s no wonder the the aromas of chili cheese nachos,
M100 million peo- popular sport rakes in over $6 hot dogs and pizza.
ple each year. Maybe it’s the billion annually. Unlike other sports and exer-
competition that creates tens Fortunately for all of us, cises, save for swimming, bowling
of thousands of leagues. Or bowling is more than fun and offers high rewards with low risks.
maybe it’s the music, the excite- games. It’s a low impact sport with a low
ment, the environment or the Bowling tones and strengthens risk of injury. In fact, during an
sound of the ball smacking the muscles in your throwing arm, 18-year study by the Ohio State
pins. Strike! back, chest and legs – especially University, medical personnel
Bowling is great for health, the hamstrings when proper form treated only 8,754 bowling inju-
socializing, strengthening rela- is used to bend the knee and ries. The most common of these
tionships and it’s safe fun for all release the ball. It also increases ailments included sprains and
ages. Maybe that’s why, accord- hand-eye coordination and bal- strains to the fingers, wrists, ankles
ing to the United States Bowling ance while using over 130 mus- and knees.
Congress, and its 1.5 million cles. What’s more, according to Feeling stressed and anxious?
members, it’s the number one the Mayo Clinic, bowling burns Bowling can help with that too!
participation sport in the coun- between 220 to 300 calories per The American Psychological

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