Grab Your Paddle: Here’s Why You Should Try Kayaking!
Do you enjoy exploring in nature but also want to get exercise? If running and hiking don’t do it for you, you should grab a paddle and go kayaking. It’s not just a serene activity, though it can be. Even with slow movements, you’re working your body in ways that your muscles will thank you for. Plus, you’ll get to see some truly stunning views.
Why try kayaking?
It’s great for toning your belly
When paddling, all that movement comes from your core. The twisting and turning your body does while kayaking can really help tone muscles you might not be toning when you’re doing sit-ups on your mat.
It builds upper body strength
Water provides some of the best natural resistance. By moving the paddle in and out of the current, you’re strengthening those upper body muscles. This is also great for other sports, even golf, to have a better stroke.
It even works your legs
Most people are surprised to find kayaking leaves their legs sore too after a day on the water. That’s because your legs help keep you grounded to support your core with all that rowing.
It can be aerobic
While slowly paddling along a still lake is still a workout, you can amp things up by paddling faster. Doing this will give you the kind of aerobic benefits you’d get from running on a treadmill in a much more fun way.
But it’s still low impact
If you stopped running because of the high impact, kayaking is a low impact way to get the same results without affecting your joints. If you have a knee injury for example, you can get the exercise you need by hopping into a kayak.
You can change up the intensity
For your first time out in a kayak, you probably shouldn’t go out in the ocean. But once you master the technique on a lake, going down a river with a stronger current will be more your speed. You can then take on the ocean or find any other body of water to paddle on.
It fuels your sense of adventure
The gym is not an adventurous place. And most walking and running paths aren’t either. On the water, kayaks can take you to see the world from a new angle, and get to see some beautiful scenery and wildlife you wouldn’t normally see on dry land.
It’s great for reducing stress
Science has shown that being on the water or near it, like at the beach or lakeside, is a great way to relieve stress. The soothing element of water is wonderful for your mind peace of mind.
Challenge yourself to something new by taking up kayaking. After that first time, you’ll likely need a masseuse to relieve those muscles!
Man and woman stand up paddleboarding on lake. Young couple are doing watersport on lake. Male and female tourists are in swimwear during summer vacation.
