6 Impressive Benefits of Kayaking to Stay in Shape

Remember that fantastic treadmill you purchased online that boasted foldability for easy storage? If you used it once or twice and then abandoned it to the dust bunnies under your bed, now may be the time to trade it in for a far more exciting piece of exercise equipment–a kayak.

While kayaks probably better fit in the sporting equipment category, there’s no argument that kayaking provides important benefits for staying in shape. Unsure exactly what those benefits might be? Read on to learn about six of the most impressive.

1- Weight Management

If you think back for a moment to that dust-covered treadmill, ask yourself why you bought it or any of those other pieces of expensive exercise equipment in the first place. The idea was to get you moving and burning calories, right? You’ll get that with kayaking.

Most people who commit to taking out a kayak on any given day will commit themselves to at least a few hours at minimum and often a half or full day. How many calories you will burn in a single outing is difficult to determine and will depend on certain factors including your own weight, the distance and speed at which you kayak, and the challenge of the course. A nice thing about this activity, however, is that the enjoyment factor can easily make you forget you’re exercising.

2- Tones the Body

Some paddles are along peaceful, flowing rivers. Others may call on you to navigate fast-moving, rushing rapids. Whatever the course, a decent-length paddle will get you working and toning your biceps, triceps, forearms, shoulders, back, and chest. It even tones your abdominal muscles. If you’re worried your legs won’t get a workout, don’t be. During more challenging paddles, you’ll engage your leg muscles to apply pressure to your kayak to keep it balanced.

3- Safe, Low-Impact Exercise

High-impact exercise has its benefits, but it can be very hard on joints, ligaments, and tendons. Kayaking offers no such dangers, providing an excellent low-impact workout that builds fitness while not overstressing the body. This is especially helpful for people with a few extra pounds to lose or for those with mobility issues. And if you are tired out at the end of your “workout,” the recovery time is much quicker.

4- Strengthens Your Core

A good paddler is no slouch! Maintaining a proper sitting position while paddling strengthens and engages both abdominal and lower back muscles. This translates to better balance and overall posture.

5- Develops Muscle Endurance

If you’ve never kayaked before and you’re not in the greatest shape overall, you may find a two-hour trip on a leisurely course is your limit. However, you will soon find that repeated practice of low-impact actions, such as pulling your paddle through the water, will slowly build endurance. Keep it up and it won’t be long before your excursions last longer and go further.

6- Social and Mental Health Benefits

Staying in shape isn’t just about keeping your weight down and your muscles toned. A healthy social life and a positive mental outlook are equally important for good health. Fortunately, one of the biggest benefits of kayaking is that it can’t be done inside and alone in front of the television set. You have to get outdoors and explore the world around you. Not sure how to get started? If you enlist the aid of a reputable, established kayak tour company with knowledgeable experienced guides, you can meet other newbies and learn the basics while also exploring whole new frontiers.