Lawn bowling is popular among young and old in Australia and England. There, it’s appreciated as an ideal lifetime sport and social activity for all ages.
Here in Canada, lawn bowling is played mostly by those in their retirement years, although that’s slowly changing. There’s a growing junior following, with players as young as eight years. Currently, there are several junior competitions held in BC. This sport can be enjoyed with both your children and your grandchildren!
Lawn bowling provides a moderate form of exercise. The constant crouching (to pick up and throw bowls) maintains strength and flexibility of the legs, back and arms. It challenges balance, sharpens hand-eye coordination, accuracy and powers of concentration. It also gets you outdoors into the fresh air. The activity burns about 211 calories per hour in a 155 lb person.
A game typically lasts two and a half hours. Players use a 3 lb bowl with a built-in bias. The bowl is rolled 80-100 feet on grass to its target. The playing green is about 21 to 41 metres (70 feet to 137 feet long) and you can walk or run it from end to end.
This competitive sport involves just as much strategy as golf or curling. The concentration required is like that of chess. It’s a great way to keep your mind sharp and memory intact at any age.
Older people play a more strategic game, while younger players tend to use a more physically aggressive style. Lawn bowling allows you to play both ways. Although it is classified as a leisure sport, don’t let that deceive you. It’s not as easy as it looks. That’s what makes it so interesting and challenging.
Blind and partially-sighted people can also enjoy the sport. Some clubs even offer programs for the physically handicapped. But these require artificial greens and wheelchairs need special wheels to avoid creating ruts in the turf.
Lawn bowling begins in the spring when the weather warms and the ground dries. The season ends late September. The only requirement for lawn bowling is heelless shoes that are smooth-soled to protect the greens. In certain competitions, players traditionally wear white or cream-coloured clothing. However, there’s a growing trend by professional players to wear any colour.
Leisure sports, like lawn bowling, are an enjoyable way for anyone to put some fitness into their day.
To learn more about the sport, and to find a club in your area, visit Bowls BC website at www.bowlsbc.com
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Eve Lees has been active in the health & fitness industry since 1979. Currently, she is a Freelance Health Writer for several publication and speaks to business and private groups on various health topics.