By challenging your body and mind...
… bowling strikes a perfect balance between physical and mental strength. Fitness experts say bowling can improve your flexibility and balance, and psychologists say the sport is keen on concentration and focus.
Physical and Mental Health Join in Bowling
Dave, a resident at Gabriel Homes, competes in a friendly bowling league with his friends at Bowlero in Fairfax. The league meets every Wednesday for over 30 weeks. Many bowlers become close friends over the season, and Dave’s outgoingness brings groups together. Teams trash–talk each other, but everyone celebrates together when players roll strikes.
The rules for bowling may not change, but players get ready for play in unique ways.
“When I was younger, I couldn’t hit as many pins because I rolled balls underhanded,” Dave says. “David taught me to hold the ball and keep my balance when I rolled like the pros. I trained my brain in bowling like how players train their muscles in the gym.”
Another challenge when bowling is blocking out the alley’s sights and sounds. Some players say alleys are like casinos since both have distracting screens and noises.
“I listen to music when I roll because I can better focus on myself. Music calms me down and stops my brain from overthinking my turn. The type of music doesn’t matter as long as my brain doesn’t wander.”
Moving from the mind to the body, some bowlers work on their form for decades.
Fixing postures and rolling angles, for example, can take years to master. Bowlers recommend returning to alleys consistently and learning techniques from experts.
Dave’s bowling league is diverse in skill level, background, and age.
Every bowler has their reasons for rolling, but the love of the lanes and friends brings players together. Players say there’s an opportunity for anybody in bowling, no matter their demographics.
“Bowling is an ageless sport,” says Shirley, Dave’s close league friend. “Playing is good exercise because bowling uses your body’s finesse, not action. My mom’s 91 years old and is rolling strikes to this day!”