If you are looking to improve your fitness and lose weight, you may have considered some of the common options out there already – jogging, cycling or even just attending the local gym. Perhaps you are looking for something a bit different. Have you ever considered kayaking as an alternative? Whether you have or haven’t there are many great reasons why you should consider kayaking as a way to improve your health and well-being, particularly with the 5 major health benefits it offers you that we will discuss below.
Great for Toned Muscles And A Solid Core
Many wrongly assume that when you paddle in a kayak you are only really working out the arms. The truth is though that kayaking is actually a low impact exercise and along with the arms, the rowing of the paddles uses various core upper body muscles including the legs, abs, shoulders and chest. As you steer your boat through the water, all of these muscles are exercised well and this tones them up improving the strength of your core overall.
Great for Your Abs
Following on as the paddling action involves the paddle being moved continuously from one side to the other, the result of this action is a effective torso twist movement which can work on your waist and abs, toning them and strengthening them.
Reduces Your Stress
It is obviously a very well-known fact that exercise can help play a major part in reducing stress. This is where kayaking can benefit you in more ways than just one, because not only is your muscles being worked as you row with the paddles across the water; the fact you are rowing over a nice fresh water river or lake is a big bonus. Calm clear waters can be very good for soothing you, if you are particularly stressed. As well as the fresh air, the relaxing sound of the water and the natural environment can help you to recuperate. You may even want to make a day of it and bring an electric cool box full of food and drink so you can stop and have a picnic or so you can stay nourished when you are out far from dry land and need a bite to eat.
Internal Cardiovascular Advantages
As well as your mind soul and muscles, kayaking is also effective at improving your cardiovascular system and heart health. If you are no stranger to the waters of your favourite lake or river and take the boat out for a row, pay close attention to your heart rate and then try increasing the pace of your paddling and notice how your heart will start beating faster. Paddling in your boat has a similar effect in this regard to other forms of exercise, with the added bonus that it is arguably much more enjoyable than riding a bike or running on a treadmill.
Increases Your Stamina and Helps You Lose Weight
When you participate in short, regular sessions of kayaking you can help to increase and improve your stamina, which after a while will help you to enjoy a more active and healthy lifestyle. As your stamina and muscle strength increases, so too will the amount of weight you lose. So there you have it, our 5 awesome health tips you benefit from when you take up kayaking!
Thanks to the guys over KayakLife.co.uk for the information, paddle on over there for loads more information and helpful tips to find the best inflatable kayak you need.
Leave a Reply