Author: Eamonn Shinners

Bowling is a great way to get active, meet new people, and have fun on the town, but you might wonder how much exercise it offers. With millions of people visiting bowling centres every year, it’s a good question. The truth is that whether you bowl casually for fun or are on a professional team, it can offer physical health benefits.

Bowling Helps with Weight Loss 

Are you looking to lose some weight? Bowling can help speed up your metabolism which can slim down your body. While the game is played in a small area, a large amount of movement while playing can burn extra fat. You exercise your legs while walking, and the rest of your body gets exercise by lifting and swinging the bowling ball.

Bowling Can Tone and Strengthen Muscles 

While bowling, you are going to be using the muscles in your lower body quite a lot. The extra weight of the bowling ball can help you tone and strengthen those muscles. Stretching and flexing your arm when you throw the ball can also contribute to this.

Bowling May Reduce Risk of Disease

One of the main risk factors for heart disease is a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise, like bowling, helps lower your risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart attack. It can also improve your circulation, lower your cholesterol levels, and increase your bone density. Bowling at least once a week can offer all these benefits.

Bowling Can Help with Stress Relief

When you engage in physical activity, it helps you relieve the stress of daily life. When you are at the bowling centre, you also get the chance to socialize with others while you play the game. This can help relieve mental stress. 

Bowling is a great hobby for anyone who wants to work on their physical and mental health. It is also a lot of fun, so it doesn’t have to feel like a traditional workout routine. Give it a shot and see what it can offer in your own life.

There’s nothing quite like hitting the laser tag arena at your local bowling centre to take down the other team with shot after shot. However, it can also be exciting to help your team win without offensive play. Playing defensively is the key to preventing the other team from winning by getting shots on you and your teammates.

Turn Sideways if You Can’t Duck

Sometimes you may not see someone aiming to shoot you, but other times you might catch a glance at them before they pull the trigger. If you do see them coming, you should duck if you have the option. If not, the next best thing is to turn sideways. This makes it harder to hit your sensors to get points from hitting you.

Observe the Layout Early

Knowing the arena is crucial from the start when playing a game of laser tag. You need to know the best places to see the arena while having some cover to prevent getting hit yourself. However, remember that you don’t have to stay in one spot through the whole game. Moving around occasionally will give you more options.

Learn to Walk Like a Crab

The best protection you can get is by walking sideways as a crab would. Remember that the more you move, the more you protect yourself. If you stand around in one location for too long, an experienced player is going to end up tagging you and getting points.

When playing defensively, the tips above can make things simpler and ensure you don’t get hit by the other team. Pay attention to everything around you, and don’t stay in one place too long for the best results. Whatever you do, make sure you are having a good time in the arena!

Sometimes you might not feel like bowling, but your friends or family want to, so you get brought along anyway. Spending time with your loved ones might trump your desire to go elsewhere, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time. Many of the bowling centres you see nowadays offer a whole lot more than pins and balls. You can have a great time even if you don’t feel up to a game of bowling. We’ll share more about what you might expect.

Play Some Pool

The Planet Galway, and other bowling centres, offer pool tables for those who want to relax and do something besides bowl. In fact, some of the bowling centres will have both championship tables and American pool tables so you can choose what resonates with you. Pool can be a fun way to spend time with friends without bowling and it happens to be in many bowling centres so give it a shot. You can play with friends or meet others at the venue and make new friends while you compete to win.

Virtual Reality Experience

You can also find great video games at some bowling centres. Planet Galway offers a 4D Oculus for a virtual reality experience that rivals any video game arcade. Other locations might have typical arcade video games, which can also be fun to play. With 360-degree motion seats and movies that use the same technology, you immerse yourself in worlds that you would never have imagined in your wildest dreams. Kids, adults, and people of all ages will love the experience and keep coming back for more.

Arcade Sports Games

Another fixture at many bowling centres are sports games like you might see at an arcade. Air hockey tables can give you another competitive game to enjoy while your friends or family are getting strikes while bowling. Another fixture of Planet Galway is the basketball machine. You can hit up the hoops and work on your free throw while the machine makes the process more complicated than a typical hoop would. There are all sorts of games available at high quality bowling centres so give them a shot and find out what you have the most fun with.

Enjoy the Atmosphere

Even if you just want to hang out with your friends and chill, the bowling centre makes that simple. You can grab some snacks and watch your friends play if you don’t want to play video games or pool. The reality is that the bowling centre is one of the best places to hang out. No matter what you decide to do, you’ll end up having an awesome time.

So, you have decided to spend some time at the local bowling centre, and you want to try bowling for the first time. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry. This is a sport that people of all ages can enjoy as a casual or competitive sport. We’ll walk you through the basics of tossing the ball for the first time.

How to Hold the Ball

When you pick up the ball, you are going to place your ring and middle fingers into the top holes with your thumb in the bottom hole. The ball should be held to your side with one hand underneath it for better support.

Go to the Foul Line

The basic approach involves standing at the foul line with a straight back, centred shoulders, and slightly bent knees. The ball arm should be hanging by your side with your back tilted slightly forward. Keep your feet slightly apart with the slide foot in the front.

Work to Aim the Ball

The bowling lane will have a series of dots and black arrows on it. As a beginner, you want to roll the ball in the centre of the marks. After you get better at bowling, you can aim to the left or right while hooking the ball. Ignore the pins entirely and focus on the lane marks instead. 

Let Go of the Ball

The last thing you need to do is release the bowling ball. Swing the ball back and then bring it forward as you release it. You want to let go when your arm is as far forward as possible. Watch the target as you release the ball for the best results.

For a first-time bowler, these tips will get you started and let you experience how much fun this sport can be. You may find that you enjoy it so much that you want to head back to the bowling centre again in a few days. It’s a lot of fun and something anyone can take part in.

When playing laser tag at the local bowling centre, you’re going to have times of playing defence and others when you’re the one attacking the other team. There are specific strategies you can put into place if you want to stay on the attack and get tons of points for your team. Below, we’ll share a few easy ways to do better in the arena when on the offence.

Go After the People Who Are Less Adept

This might seem like an obvious statement, but it matters when you’re in the laser tag arena. Sure, you can try to get points shooting at those who are great at the game, but they are going to have strategies that make this harder. Going for the younger players or those who are new to the game is the best way to rack up points for your team.

Focus on Firing Instead of Aiming

Unless you’re good at laser tag, it’s often best to focus on firing as much as possible rather than aiming to get the best shot. If you pull off six shots and get one hit at the same time as it would take to aim and get one shot, you might as well go with the former. There’s always a chance that you will get more than one hit and help your team win.

Turn Sideways to Shoot

Have you watched action movies? You want to hold the laser gun the same way action stars do in the films. You should turn sideways and turn your face over your shoulder to aim. This is a great way to aim, and it makes you a smaller target, so you play offensively at the same time.

Don’t forget to have a good time out there! It can be fun to go up against the biggest competition sometimes, so these rules are only guidelines. Get out in the arena and see what works best for you.

Are you looking to create a fun and unique birthday party that your child will never forget? Sure, there are plenty of options for themes you can do at home, but maybe you prefer a venue for hosting dozens of kids and parents in your home. A bowling party is a great choice that is inexpensive and fun at the same time. 

Choosing the Right Location

Most bowling centres offer packages for birthday parties, which you can take advantage of. Make sure to give them a call or visit their website to find out what options are available. It can be a good idea to reserve lanes for all the people who are coming. A good rule of thumb is having a lane for every four people who will be attending the birthday party.

Ask Whether You Can Bring Snacks

If there are certain snacks and drinks that you want to bring to the bowling centre, ask and make sure that is possible. Most centres sell these things so you can order them on the spot and save time. However, you may want to bring special goodie bags, and a cake so make sure that is possible at the location you choose.

Find Out if Shoe Rental is Extra

Sometimes when you host a party, the price of shoes for the little ones is priced in. In other cases, the rental might cost extra. It’s a good idea to find out which is the case before you head to the bowling centre. You should also make sure the centre has shoes in the appropriate size so everyone can enjoy the activity using the offered shoes or bringing their own. 

A bowling party can be a lot of fun for kids or even teenagers, but there are things you need to check up on before the big day is here. Make sure everything is set up to go off without a hitch so the kids and their parents can relax and have a good time.

Bowling can be a whole lot of fun, but not everyone enjoys doing it day in and day out. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy time at the local bowling centre without tossing a ball down the lane, there are tons of options you may not be aware of. Whether you like physical activities or something more relaxing, there’s something for you at the bowling centre.

Laser Tag Games

Laser tag is offered at many bowling centres in Ireland and can be played by anyone who is six or older. The best centres will have military arenas with fog machines, special lighting, and loud music to make the game even more exciting. Teams or individuals can play laser tag and is often chosen for corporate events, birthday parties, stag and hen parties, and summer camps.

Kid’s Play Areas

Some bowling centres have special areas designed for younger children who may not be capable of laser tag or bowling. These might have things like ball pools, slippery ropes, bridges, and pulleys for the children to play with. There may also be additional activities for the very small children so they can have fun with the rest of the family.

Pool Tables

Another fun thing to do at a bowling centre is playing a few games of pool. There are various types of pool tables, and you can play with others who are there with you. Since most centres also have food and drink, you can add that to your fun to enjoy a night indoors socializing with others. 

In addition to these things, some bowling centres offer other fun activities like basketball machines, virtual reality video games, air hockey tables, and more. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you are sure to find something to scratch that itch.

Just as with any other sport or activity, it takes time and practice to get good at bowling. However, there are basic tips you can use to improve your game and win games against your friends and family members. If you’re ready to start killing it on the lane, some of the tips below are a fantastic spot to start.

Choose the Right Size Ball

On average, the best ball weight for a man is 14 to 15 pounds, while the best size for a female is 11 or 12 pounds. Getting a good fit is more important than the weight, so don’t fuss too much about weight if the ball fits your fingers well.

Use a Relaxed Swing

You might think you should use all your strength on a swing, but that isn’t true. It can result in a slower throw that goes off-centre. Relax your swing by taking a moment to breathe before you take your turn. You want to balance your swing on the approach and be aware of where you want the ball positioning at the outset.

Select the Right Speed

Those who prefer a fast approach should start with the ball between your waist and thigh. This is quicker than going through a full swing. Those who prefer to approach the line more slowly can start with the bowling ball at their chest. This makes the swing longer while you approach.

Wear the Right Bowling Shoes

Having a good pair of shoes can also improve your bowling game. You want well-taken care of shoes that fit well. They should have a smooth sole and be a bit smaller than your regular shoe to be comfortable while bowling.

Using the tips above, you’ll be sure to improve your bowling game. Try one tip and see how it works for you before incorporating others. In no time, you will be bowling like you were born to and beating all your friends on the lane.

 

Great Reasons to Go Bowling on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a time characterised by boxes of chocolate, bouquets of roses, and cards that profess your love to your significant other. While lots of people spend the evening in a restaurant with all the other love birds, that might not be the right environment for everyone. If you are looking for a low-key way to enjoy the day with your loved one, why not visit the nearest bowling centre?

No Need to Dress Up

If you and your date are a bit more casual than formal, a bowling centre is a great option. There’s no reason to spend hours getting ready just to sit in uncomfortable clothes all night. You can slip on a t-shirt and jeans and go have fun without all the extra hassle.

Competitive Fun

Those with a competitive streak will love a bowling date, because you’re pushed right into a scenario that asks for it. You can trash talk in a friendly way and enjoy showing off. You may find that competing leads to flirting, which is always an excellent thing on Valentine’s Day.

Exciting Exercise

Sure, you probably won’t go bowling solely for the exercise, but it is a fantastic perk. Plus, if you grab dinner at the bowling centre, you get to work off some of those calories doing something entertaining. It definitely adds an extra advantage to choosing a bowling date.

Laughter Guaranteed

Most people aren’t super experienced at bowling, but that isn’t a bad thing in this case. When you make a mistake or two, that’s the perfect setting for getting some laughs with your date. Being able to laugh together can help seal a connection, so don’t be afraid to look silly and try new things.

Food & Drink On-Site

Rather than having to stop somewhere for food after your date, you can take a break from the lanes at any time and enjoy the bowling centre food. All your favourite snacks and beverages are available so you can have a relaxed dinner date in between games if you start feeling peckish.

Inexpensive Date

Bowling is a lot of fun, but the other thing that makes it so popular is the fact that it’s an inexpensive activity to enjoy with friends. If you don’t want to break the bank for Valentine’s Day, bowling is a great value option that you may not do on a regular basis.

Time to Talk

If you were to choose a movie date, you wouldn’t have a ton of time to talk with your date and that can be a bummer. Bowling leaves you plenty of time to chat. You can take your time and have a conversation while you play. Enjoy each other’s company in a no-pressure atmosphere

When you want to indulge in bowling, you can’t beat the Planet. Set up your Valentine’s Day date early and do something different. You may be surprised how much fun it turns out to be.

If you have an almost-thirteen-year-old in your home, hosting a birthday party can be a challenging prospect. Your child is growing older and is about to be a teenager, which means they probably have many thoughts about what sort of party they would like to have. Turning 13 is a huge milestone and something that should be recognized with a unique party that will be remembered for years to come. We have some great ideas to ensure just that.

Planning the Party for a Teen

Some almost 13 years olds are going to feel like having a birthday party is uncool and may want to do something different from what has been the standard so far in life. Even if you loved the parties you planned when the child was younger, you don’t want to embarrass them or force them to attend a party they won’t enjoy. That’s why you should let your child share their own ideas and thoughts about what they want to do for the special day. Maybe they want to invite only a few friends or prefer something less of a party and more of a hangout. That can still be fun, and you can still celebrate in a lowkey way.

Activities and Entertainment for Kids of Almost 13

While typical party games might not be what teenagers want at a party, you probably don’t want to leave a group of them to hang out and get into mischief. As such, you may want to make the party less structured but still provide plenty of options for fun. This is one of the reasons that a bowling centre can be the perfect place for a 13^th birthday party. There’s tons of food, the kids can bowl or enjoy arcade games or even laser tag, and you can avoid being in the middle of the party. You can still hang out in the background, but the teens have their space and in an environment that isn’t privy to a lot of trouble.

Let Them Feel Grown Up

At a teenager, your kid is getting ever closer to being an adult. As such, this can be a good time to let them have more space to act like an adult. This applies to the birthday party and life in general. It’s a time for them to grow into themselves and make decisions on their own. So, host a party that your kid will love and appreciate the moment for what it is, a huge milestone in their life.

Throwing a party for a 13-year-old may be different than hosting one for a child, but it can still be a way to bond and celebrate the child growing older. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Let the kid have some say in what happens and enjoy the moment.