Lawn Bowls in Grand Rapids, MI: How to Prevent Injury and Play Safely

Lawn bowls is a growing recreational sport in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It’s low impact, social, and accessible to adults of all ages, especially older adults. Many players are over 55, which makes injury prevention especially important.

Because West Michigan has cold, icy winters and warm, sometimes humid summers, Grand Rapids lawn bowlers face unique seasonal risks, particularly slips, falls, and heat-related issues. Understanding how to play safely can help you enjoy the sport for years to come.

Common injuries in lawn bowls include:

  • Falls (the most frequent cause of injury, especially in older players)
  • Fractures
  • Muscle strains and ligament sprains
  • Overuse injuries of the knees, hips, back, and shoulders

Health and Social Benefits of Lawn Bowls in Grand Rapids

Lawn bowls is more than just a game—it can be an excellent part of a healthy lifestyle in Grand Rapids.

Physical benefits

  • Low-impact exercise that’s easier on joints than running or high-impact sports
  • Helps improve balance, coordination, and flexibility
  • Supports heart health and mobility, especially important for older adults in a city with long winters and often sedentary months

Social and mental health benefits

  • Great way to meet people in your neighborhood and broader Grand Rapids community
  • Can help reduce isolation, which is a concern for many older adults in Michigan’s colder months
  • Builds confidence and self-esteem as skills and coordination improve

Local senior centers, community recreation programs, and private clubs in the Grand Rapids area may offer lawn bowls or similar activities—check with Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation or local community centers for options.

What Increases Your Risk of Lawn Bowls Injury?

Several factors can increase your chance of getting hurt while playing lawn bowls in Grand Rapids:

Incorrect technique

  • Poor delivery or follow-through
  • Loss of balance during the bowling action
  • Incorrect grip of the bowl

These can strain your back, shoulders, knees, and wrists, and may increase your risk of falling on the green.

Not warming up or cooling down

  • Starting play “cold” can lead to muscle pulls and joint strain
  • Skipping cool-down can contribute to stiffness and, in people with heart disease, potential cardiovascular stress

Playing too long without rest

  • Repetitive movements (bending, delivering the bowl, walking back and forth) can cause overuse injuries
  • Fatigue increases your risk of falls and poor technique

Previous or existing injuries

  • Old injuries—especially to ankles, knees, hips, or back—can be aggravated by lawn bowls
  • Conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, or balance problems are common in older adults in Michigan and can increase fall risk

If you have a history of falls, joint pain, or chronic disease, it’s important to take extra precautions and speak with a healthcare professional in Grand Rapids before you start or increase your activity.

When to See a Doctor Before Playing

You should talk to your doctor or a local healthcare provider (such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health) before playing or increasing your lawn bowls activity if you:

  • Are over 40 and haven’t been active regularly
  • Are overweight or have obesity
  • Have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol
  • Have a history of falls, dizziness, fainting, or balance problems
  • Have joint pain, arthritis, or osteoporosis
  • Have recently had surgery or a significant injury

A doctor can advise whether you need further tests or a supervised exercise plan. You can also ask about a pre-exercise screening—a simple questionnaire and check-up that helps identify medical conditions that could make physical activity risky for you.

The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources can also guide you to local programs and screenings for chronic disease management and fall prevention.

Preparing Safely for Lawn Bowls

Warm up properly

Before you step on the green, spend 5–10 minutes on:

  • Gentle walking around the green
  • Light leg and arm swings
  • Gentle stretches for your calves, thighs, hips, back, shoulders, and wrists

This helps:

  • Improve your joint range of motion
  • Increase blood flow to muscles
  • Reduce risk of muscle strain and joint injuries

Cool down after play

After your game:

  • Walk slowly for a few minutes
  • Repeat gentle stretches for legs, back, shoulders, and neck

Cooling down helps reduce stiffness and may lower the risk of cardiovascular complications, especially in people with heart disease or high blood pressure.

Weather and Seasonal Safety in Grand Rapids

Michigan’s climate can create extra challenges for lawn bowlers.

Avoid extreme weather

  • Cold and icy conditions:
    • Avoid playing on frozen or icy surfaces; they increase fall risk.
    • Wear warm layers, gloves, and a hat in early spring and late fall.
  • Hot, humid summer days:
    • Avoid midday heat when possible—play in the morning or early evening.
    • Take more frequent breaks in the shade.

Stay hydrated

  • Drink water before, during, and after playing, even in cooler weather.
  • In summer, consider an electrolyte drink if you sweat heavily.
  • Limit alcohol before and during play, as it can impair balance and increase fall risk.

Sun and Skin Protection

Even in West Michigan, where summers are relatively short, UV exposure can be significant, especially with reflection from light-colored surfaces.

Follow “SunSmart” guidelines:

  • Wear sun-protective clothing (long sleeves, light fabrics)
  • Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen on exposed skin and reapply every 2 hours
  • Use SPF lip balm
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap
  • Wear UV-protective sunglasses
  • Seek shade between games whenever possible

This is especially important for older adults and anyone with a history of skin cancer or sun sensitivity.

Technique and Training to Prevent Injury

Learn correct technique

Taking a few lessons from a qualified coach or experienced player in the Grand Rapids area can help you:

  • Use the correct swinging and delivery action
  • Maintain proper balance throughout the motion
  • Use the correct grip for your hand size and bowl size

Good technique:

  • Reduces strain on your knees, hips, back, and shoulders
  • Lowers your risk of falls
  • Improves performance and consistency

Improve balance and strength

Because falls are the most common injury in lawn bowls, balance and strength training are especially important, particularly for players over 55.

Consider adding:

  • Balance exercises:
    • Standing on one leg (near a chair or wall for support)
    • Heel-to-toe walking
    • Gentle yoga or tai chi (many classes are available in Grand Rapids)
  • Strength exercises:
    • Leg strengthening (squats to a chair, heel raises)
    • Core strengthening (gentle abdominal and back exercises)
    • Light resistance training with bands or light weights

A local physiotherapist (physical therapist) in Grand Rapids can design a personalized program if you have existing joint or balance problems.

Equipment and Footwear Safety

Choose the right bowls

  • Get professional advice when choosing bowls to ensure they are the correct size and weight for your hand and strength.
  • Bowls that are too large or heavy can cause grip problems, poor delivery, and increased strain on your wrist, elbow, and shoulder.

Local sporting goods stores or lawn bowls clubs may be able to refer you to a knowledgeable supplier.

Use a trolley instead of lifting

  • Use a trolley to move your bowls bag and equipment, especially if you have back, shoulder, or joint issues.
  • Avoid repeatedly lifting heavy bags, which can strain your back and shoulders.

Wear appropriate footwear

  • Choose flat-soled, supportive bowling shoes that are designed for lawn bowls.
  • Ensure shoes fit well and provide good support to prevent slips and ankle injuries.
  • When stepping off the green, change from smooth-soled bowling shoes to shoes with good grip soles to reduce the risk of slipping on pavement, grass, or in wet conditions common in Michigan.

Use safe mats and surfaces

  • Use non-slip bowling mats with good grip on the top surface.
  • Ensure the playing surface is even and free from hazards (holes, debris, ice, or standing water).

Rest and Recovery

  • Take regular breaks between games to avoid fatigue and overuse injuries.
  • Sit down, hydrate, and stretch gently during longer sessions.
  • If you feel pain, dizziness, or unusual shortness of breath, stop immediately and rest.

Do not push through significant pain—this can turn a minor issue into a serious injury.

What to Do If You’re Injured

Stop immediately

If you feel a sharp pain, significant discomfort, or you fall:

  • Stop playing right away to prevent further damage.
  • Do not “play through” pain.

Seek first aid and medical care

  • Apply basic first aid (rest, ice, compression, elevation) for sprains and strains if appropriate.
  • For any significant fall, suspected fracture, head impact, or severe pain, seek urgent medical evaluation.

In Grand Rapids, you can seek care from:

  • Your primary care doctor or urgent care clinic
  • Local hospital systems such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • A physiotherapist (physical therapist) for rehabilitation and return-to-play guidance

In an emergency, always call 911.

Club safety measures

Lawn bowls clubs and groups in the Grand Rapids area should:

  • Have at least one trained first aid provider on duty during events
  • Keep a well-stocked first aid kit accessible
  • Ensure a working telephone is available
  • Display emergency contact numbers clearly

Do not return to play until you are fully recovered and cleared by a healthcare professional if the injury was moderate or severe.

Local Health Resources in Grand Rapids

For lawn bowls injury prevention, assessment, or rehabilitation, consider contacting:

  • Your primary care physician or geriatrician
  • Physiotherapists / physical therapists specializing in sports or older adult care
  • Kent County Health Department for local health programs, fall-prevention resources, and chronic disease support
  • Grand Rapids Public Health resources and community wellness programs

If you participate in a local bowls club or league, ask if they have recommended medical or therapy providers familiar with common lawn bowls injuries.

Key Points for Safe Lawn Bowls in Grand Rapids, MI

  • Many lawn bowlers are over 55, and falls are the most common cause of injury.
  • Michigan’s cold winters and variable weather increase the importance of safe surfaces, proper footwear, and avoiding extreme conditions.
  • Good preparation is essential: warm up, stretch, and use correct technique.
  • Cool down after play to reduce stiffness and cardiovascular strain.
  • Pre-exercise screening with your doctor acts as a safety net to ensure the benefits of lawn bowls outweigh the risks for you.
  • Use proper equipment, stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and seek prompt medical care if an injury occurs.

With the right precautions, lawn bowls can be a safe, enjoyable, and social way to stay active in Grand Rapids throughout the year.