Precision and skill
Ten-pin bowling
Strikes, spares and friendly rivalry.
- Lightintensity
- ~265kcal per hour
- Low costbudget
- Lowimpact
Is ten-pin bowling right for you?
Strikes, spares and friendly rivalry. It is a light-intensity, low impact activity that you can do indoors, with a partner or in a group. Expect to burn around 265 calories an hour, based on a 70 kg person.
Anyone can start. Expect to spend up to about £20 a month.
Why try ten-pin bowling
- Sociable. It is an easy way to meet people and have fun.
- Teaches a skill. There is always something new to learn, which keeps it interesting.
- Kind to joints. Low impact makes it a good choice if running or jumping is uncomfortable.
How to start ten-pin bowling
Book a lane with friends for an hour.
Get the basics: lane provides kit. Borrow or hire before you buy.
Keep the first few sessions short and easy, and aim for two or three a week.
Warm up for five minutes first, build up gradually and stop if anything hurts.
A 4-week starter plan
| Week | Sessions | Minutes each | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 20 | Learn the basics and keep every session easy. |
| 2 | 3 | 25 | Repeat last week and add a little time. |
| 3 | 4 | 30 | Add a session or make one a bit harder. |
| 4 | 4 | 35 | Your longest week. Book or plan what comes next. |
This is general guidance, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or injury, check with your GP before you start.
Similar activities
Precision and skill
Lawn bowls
A gentle, tactical game on the green.
Precision and skill
Snooker and pool
Angles, touch and tactics on the table.
Precision and skill
Clay pigeon shooting
Test your reactions against flying clay targets.
Precision and skill
Croquet
A tactical lawn game with mallets and hoops.
Precision and skill
Boules
A relaxed throwing game for any patch of gravel.
Precision and skill
Axe throwing
Throw axes at a wooden target and release some stress.
Not sure ten-pin bowling is for you?
Take the two-minute quiz and we will match you with activities that fit your goals, mood, budget and fitness.