You don't have to spend hours down at the gym pumping iron and looking a bit daft on a running machine to maintain a healthy lifestyle. As we get older maintaining our physical fitness and health becomes increasingly important. While some people enjoy a workout in the gym, there are a lot of us who find the thought of spending a couple of hours surrounded by the uber-fit and the uber-sweaty off-putting to say the least. Golf on the other hand has a more genteel reputation, but can hardly be considered a good work-out. Or can it? Studies have shown that golf is an excellent form of 'moderate intensity exercise' for the middle-aged and is considered 'high intensity' for older competitors. It has additional health benefits that included promoting healthy sleep - not on the course obviously - and as an outdoor pursuit it increases our exposure to the sun and promotes production of vital vitamin D. Balance, coordination, muscle strength and suppleness are all intrinsic parts of the game. Even lifting that bag full of heavy irons can provide a bit of weight lifting practice.

OK, the heavy golf bag is one of the downsides to golfing. Pumping iron is not a favourite sport amongst the more mature, though pumping irons is an ever popular way to stay healthy! Golf itself requires considerable physical stamina and the weight of golfing equipment can create strain and wear on muscles that can affect your game, or even in more serious cases the ability to play. These sorts of problems are something to be wary of whatever your age, for older players having the right equipment to avoid back and muscle problems is even more important. In terms of sports injuries, golf will not see you laid up for months at a time with a minor sprain, like an international footballer. However, unnecessary strain on wrist, shoulders and back can be painful and inconvenient. They can also lead to a drop in your level of activity and whatever your age this will impact negatively on your health.

This is where finding a good golf trolley can make all the difference to your game and your health. Electric golf trolleys are increasingly popular and there are a number of well-known brands on the market. The best known brands have few differences to the lesser known electric golf trolleys available on the market, the main one being their cost. In terms of health benefits there is very little difference between the brand name and more cost effective models. For any older player who enjoys regular games as not only a recreational and social pursuit, but to stay healthy, using a good quality golf trolley is a sensible investment. Excessive strain on knees, joints and muscles will affect not only your general ability to stay active, but decrease your enjoyment of the game and affect your performance. By the same token if you have recently had any major health treatment, getting back outdoors and exercising moderately will normally aid your recovery - but you may not be in a position to drag heavy equipment several miles around your favourite course. Investing in an electric golf trolley will get you back in the game, hopefully back to your original handicap or better, quickly.