Categories / Outdoor & adventure
Lawn Bowls
Gentle bowling game on grass.
How to start
Visit a local club that offers taster sessions. Clubs supply bowls and flat shoes.
How to progress
Join a social league.
What the evidence says
Evidence: limited
We found no trials of this particular activity. It is a very low-intensity social activity.
Take care: Use flat shoes and watch for wet greens.
Sources
12-week starter plan
A weekly social session.
Tick each week as you finish it; your ticks are saved on this device only. Repeat a week if it felt hard. Weeks 4, 8 and 12 hold steady so you can settle. This is a general plan, not medical advice.
Add reminders to your calendar
Pick your days and time. You will download a calendar file that adds 12 weeks of reminders to Google, Apple or Outlook calendar.
Calories and weekly minutes
Enter your details for a rough estimate. Based on about 3 METs (Typical effort for this activity (estimated)). Real figures vary by 20% or more between people.
Tips and common mistakes
Tips
- Try a taster session.
- Wear flat shoes.
- Enjoy the social side.
Common mistakes
- Wearing heels.
- Skipping warm-up.
- Playing in wet conditions.
Kit and cost
Low Approximate UK prices.
- Club bowls (supplied)
- Flat shoes
- Club fees
Frequently asked questions
Is it for older people?
Yes, and all ages play.
Do I need my own bowls?
Clubs supply them.
Is it exercise?
It is gentle.
Good for: Fun & social Balance
Compare with similar options
| Lawn Bowls | Pétanque and Boules | Golf (Walking) | Geocaching | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical session | 120 min × 1/wk | 60 min × 1/wk | 240 min × 1/wk | 90 min × 1/wk |
| Effort | ●○○○○ | ●○○○○ | ●○○○○ | ●○○○○ |
| Cost | Low cost | Free | Moderate cost | Free |
| Equipment | Basic kit | Basic kit | Some equipment | Basic kit |
| Impact | Low impact | Low impact | Low impact | Low impact |
| Fitness needed | Any level | Any level | Any level | Any level |
| Evidence | limited | limited | limited | limited |