Among the many physical activities available, paddling is among the most beneficial. You can get in shape cardiovascularly while having fun and discovering new waterways. Paddling is a great way to exercise, but it also has additional benefits, such as fostering mindfulness and a deeper connection to nature (both of which are increasingly rare in our fast-paced world). And who wouldn’t want to feel like a badass outdoors person after a good paddling session? We’ll help you maximize the health benefits and fun of your canoeing and kayaking adventures here.
Explore new bodies of water for variety.
The great thing about Kayaking and canoeing is that you can explore new bodies of water for variety. You might be surprised to learn that lakes, rivers, and even oceans are out there waiting to be paddled!
If you’re looking for an excellent place to start your search, consider the following:
- Lakes—Lake Superior offers some of the most beautiful scenery in North America. If you have an adventurous side, try paddling down its many tributaries too!
- Rivers and Streams—Countless rivers around the world offer excellent opportunities for exploration—the Amazon River is one example. If you choose this option, you’ll never run out of places to paddle!
- Ponds—Ponds offer plenty of opportunities for fun activities like swimming or fishing (if applicable). Just beware: Some ponds may have dangerous submerged objects lurking beneath their surface depths!
Access remote trails or campsites by paddling.
A paddle board is the next logical step if you enjoy paddling on lakes and rivers. They are compact enough to fit in a bag and can be used for short voyages up rivers or across lakes that are too small for larger boats. If you want to avoid working up a sweat rowing boat all day, this might be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
Join a club to meet like-minded paddlers.
You might ask around town or check online for a club to join. Inquire at your local gym or health club to see if they have any canoe or kayak clubs or organizations. Consider joining a fishing club instead if you’d prefer a more relaxed and social activity.
You should never feel obligated to stay in a kayak club where you feel unwelcome. Ensure the group knows why you’re leaving so nobody is surprised or hurt when their favorite paddler abandons them. However, if this happens frequently enough, you may wish to switch groups until things improve between both parties again. This is especially true if one person has benefited you throughout their group.
Combine with other activities such as fishing or photography.
Fishing is a terrific way to unwind and recharge when you need to escape it all. According to experts at https://reliablefishing.com/, Kayaking, and canoeing are versatile enough to be used with other pastimes like fishing and photography. You can improve your cognitive abilities while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Bring along some pals who share your enthusiasm for outdoor pursuits so that you may compare notes and compare stories as you travel. You could end yourself connecting with others who are enthusiastic about the same things you are.
Cross-train for other sports like running or cycling
If you want to get in better shape, cross-training with another sport, like jogging or cycling, is a great idea. Working out in various ways increases the strength and stamina of your muscles. A complete workout can be attained by combining kayaking or canoeing with other forms of exercise, such as jogging, cycling, or swimming.
Running is an excellent high-impact workout for improving cardiovascular fitness and building strong legs. Bone density increases and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes is lowered. Cycling is a great low-impact alternative to jogging for those concerned about their joints. It’s a great way to breathe fresh air and simultaneously exercise your legs and heart. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for persons with injuries or chronic pain since it is a total-body workout that is low impact. It also has the added benefit of being good for your heart, lungs, and metabolism.
Participate in races or events for challenges and camaraderie.
If you’re new to the sport, consider joining a race or event. Races are great ways to get involved in the community, while testing your skills and meeting new people. They also allow you to increase your fitness level by paddling harder than usual—you’ll feel sore after these events!
Practice mindfulness and connect with nature.
Mindfulness is a state of being present and aware of your surroundings. It can help you relax, reduce stress, and be more in tune with your body and mind. The practice enables you to focus on what’s happening around you rather than assuming things are happening when they’re not (like when someone says something hurtful).
If you’re interested in practicing mindfulness on land or water, there are plenty of ways! For example, walking meditation is excellent for getting up off the couch; yoga classes provide an opportunity for beginners who want to try out some new moves; even just spending time outside listening to birds chirp can be calming if done right!
Incorporate strength training exercises into your paddling routine.
Strength training is a great way to improve your paddling skills and helps you paddle longer, faster, and more efficiently. Strength training enables you to maintain a healthy body weight by burning more calories than other forms of exercise. It also encourages heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
Strength training can be done on land or in the water—although some people prefer to do it while standing up or sitting down in their kayaks/canoes because they don’t want any extra weight on their boats! If you’re new to strength training exercises, start with light weights until you get used to them, then gradually increase the resistance over time as needed until reaching the proper form for each activity (see below).
Key Take Away
From the outdoor adventure to its great workout, paddling is an excellent way to stay active while staying cool in hot weather. The best part is that kayaks and canoes can be rented at your local sporting goods store or department store, so you don’t need expensive equipment!
The most important thing to remember is this: paddling is perfect if you want some time in nature while getting fit! So what are you waiting for? Get yourself an adventure today, tomorrow, or whenever works best with your schedule.
