Kayaking is hard, both skill-wise and on your body, but did you know that it’s also a great way to stay fit? It shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that many kayakers are in great shape and that is largely down to the fact that kayaking is a great way to work out the top half of your body.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of kayaking for your body, as well as how it can help you burn calories and improve your fitness and shape. If you’re a beginner looking for some kayaking tips, make sure to check out our handy Is Kayaking Easy? guide here.
Kayaking CAN help you burn calories
Another great benefit of kayaking is that it’s a great way to burn calories. In fact, according to Harvard Health Publishing, an hour of moderate Kayak burns around 300 calories. That’s more than walking (at 3mph) or biking (at 12mph) at the same intensity! If you need convincing, actor Tom Cruise has gone on the record to say that kayaking has helped him stay active and in shape as he’s gotten older.
If you paddle hard, you can easily burn over 500 calories in an hour. So next time someone tells you that they went for a “light paddle”, make sure to give them a high-five – they probably burned more calories than you did on your run! That being said, all physical exercise is good and kayaking can be a great addition to any workout routine.
It might be a little taxing on your body if you arent used to it, because of the additional strain on your core and arms, but you’ll definitely start seeing the benefits to your waistline in quite a short period, as long as you make sure to keep a healthy diet and consume the right kinds of food and drink!
Kayaking is a great workout for your whole body
One of the best things about kayaking is that it works out your whole body, not just your arms. The act of paddling uses pretty much every muscle in your upper body, from your shoulders and biceps, to your back and core. This means that you’ll get a full-body workout every time you go kayaking.
In addition to working out your upper body, kayaking also gives you a good leg workout. Every time you push off from the bank or a rock, you’re using your leg muscles to generate power and keep yourself moving forwards. This makes kayaking a great all-round workout for both your upper and lower body.
When at the gym, you often only work on one muscle group at a time and while it can be beneficial, it means some areas are neglected or don’t get the full workout they need. That isn’t the case with kayaking as your whole upper body has to work in tandem to get you moving across the water efficiently.
Kayaking can improve your fitness and shape
Kayaking is also a great way to improve your fitness and shape. As we’ve already mentioned, kayaking works out your whole body, so you’ll quickly see improvements in your upper body strength and endurance. But kayaking also gives you a great cardiovascular workout, which will help to improve your overall fitness levels.
If you’re looking to lose weight or tone up, then kayaking can also help. The combination of cardio and strength training makes it a great way to burn fat and build muscle. And because it’s such a low-impact activity, it’s perfect for people who are looking for a gentle way to get in shape.
It might be the easiest activity to get into as a novice, but the benefits are definitely there and once you’ve made the initial investment in the right equipment, there’s really no excuse for you to not get out there and give it a go. Trust us, your body will be thanking you after just a short while!
So there you have it, some of the great benefits of kayaking for your body. Kayaking is a great workout for your whole body and can help you burn calories, improve your fitness, and sharpen your shape. So what are you waiting for? Get out on the water and start paddling!
