Although disc golf has been a fixture of the alternative American sporting scene for some 40 years now—the first official disc golf course opened in 1975—the sport seems to have exploded into something resembling mainstream popularity over the past few years. That probably has something to do with the fact that disc golf is a relatively simple and uncomplicated pastime. There isn't a lot of money or equipment involved, and even the sport's best-known and most successful players are friendly and accessible.

But if you're still on the fence about whether or not it might be worth your while to pick up a Frisbee and join the disc golf revolution, read on. Here are five reasons you should seriously consider making disc golf a regular part of your physical routine:  

1. It's Essentially Free Once You Have Your Disc Golf Equipment

Unlike traditional ball golf, which requires players to pony up sometimes substantially large green fees in order to play, disc golf courses are always free of charge. And although disc golf has made huge gains in popularity over the years, it's still nowhere near as popular or well-known as ball golf, which is why you'll never encounter tee times at a disc golf course. Simply show up with your friends and start playing—it's as easy at that.

Of course, you will need to arrive with some high-quality disc golf equipment, but luckily D-Town Disc Golf has you covered there. As you grow to love the game, you'll want to invest in an array of long-range, midrange and short-range discs, including putters and drivers. Not to mention a great disc golf bag to lug all of that equipment across the course. We would recommend that beginners start with a midrange disc, which is good for both putting and longer-distance throws. 

2. It's More Fun Than You Probably Assume

Given how simple a round of disc golf really is, it's understandable that those who haven't played the game might have a hard time understanding how enjoyable it can truly be. Of course, the real secret of a fun weekend afternoon on the disc golf green comes down to the people you're with. The game doesn't have an especially competitive air; instead, it's all about enjoying yourself and the company you're with while getting a bit of exercise and fresh air (more about that later).

Take it from us: Round up some of your very favorite people for a quick game, and more likely than not, you'll find yourself looking forward to another round come next weekend.

3. You'll Have a Network of New Friends

What if you fail to convince your best friends to spend an afternoon tossing around a Frisbee? Not a problem. Thanks to disc golf's all-inclusive nature, you needn't look any further than the nearest active course if it's a new community you're interested in. Disc golfers tend to be open minded and welcoming people, and the average disc golfer will respond with open arms if you ask to join his or her game. Once you've found your tribe, you'll have weekend friends for years to come.  

4. It's Surprisingly Good for Your Health

Yes, it's true that running, jumping, leaping, and other traditionally sporty activities have no place in the average game of disc golf. It's also true, however, that for those of us whose lives don't normally include much exercise—especially those of us who sit behind a desk all day—disc golf can be a very heart-healthy, calorie burning activity. Why is that, you wonder? To be honest, it's all about the walking.

Unlike a typical round of ball golf, during which participants are almost expected to travel from hole to hole in a golf cart, disc golf offers no such luxury. The bottom line is that if you play a lot of disc golf, you'll also be doing a whole lot of walking. A nine-hole course, for instance, will require roughly a half-mile walk. You'll be close to a mile on an 18-hole course. And remember this: Recent research has shown that along with being the best form of exercise, walking has the best benefits of any exercise when it comes to overall health.    

5. It's Super Easy to Learn

You really couldn't ask for a simpler sport than disc golf. In the most basic of terms, the aim of the game is to throw a Frisbee-like disc into a wire disc golf basket. That's really all there is to it. As with traditional ball golf, the ultimate goal is to get the disc into the basket with as few throws as possible. The majority of the holes you'll encounter will play par three, which means your disc should land in the basket after no more than three throws.

Aside from that, the only other bit of knowledge you need to be aware of are the game's two basic throws: a backhand toss, which is the standard way any of us would throw a Frisbee, and the opposite forehand shot, which is much trickier and requires a good bit of practice to master. But that's it. If you can throw a Frisbee, you can become a disc golfer. And your health, your social life and your wallet will all benefit as a result.