Bowling
​
HLAC-1145
April 21, 2017
Attend or participate in a tournament or community event involving this activity. Write about your experience including what you observed and what you learned from your attendance or participation. Share and explain your opinion about the value (or lack of) value for this activity promoting wellness
For my Health and Lifelong Wellness Credit I chose to take a bowling class. This seemed like the perfect choice because once upon a time I bowled in a league with some friends, so I already had a ball and shoes, and I remember it being rather enjoyable. When I began the class this semester, the instructor was incredibly knowledgeable and took the time to help me perfect my stance and release. He knew the science behind the technique and positioning, which I found incredibly helpful because it taught me what changes to make in order to get the desired outcome.
Over the weeks my score began to improve consistently. I was able to get more strikes, and when I didn’t hit the strike, I knew how to pick up the remaining pins to get the spare. I had a couple of games that ended in scores much higher than I had ever previously attained. I also noticed that the muscles in my legs and arms were somewhat tender the next morning. I never realized that when you have proper form, you end in a lunge-like position that engages almost your whole body. While the exercise is by no means aerobic, it was still nice to feel active.
​
During this course I attended a league night with some friends who still played regularly. I took this opportunity to notice the difference in form among the bowlers who had higher scores and those that didn’t. I wanted to know what they were doing differently so I could use that knowledge to improve my own game. The thing I noticed most was how consistent the better bowlers were in their form and release. Their feet, hips, shoulders, and arm were almost always in the same position when the ball left their hand. Consistency is definitely something I’m still working to achieve. I believe that will come as I continue to put what I’ve learned to practice. Not only did I receive physical benefit from participating in this activity this semester, but I enjoyed it to the point I also received mental benefit as well.
