Kayaking is one of the best ways to spend time in nature. The feeling of gliding quietly through the water using your own strength is magical, and kayaking allows you to engage with the environment in a way that you normally can’t.
It’s also totally awesome for you.
In this article we’ll talk about some of the best health benefits of kayaking so you can have a better idea of why you should be kayaking.
Improved Cardiovascular Health
Kayaking can be done at a slow, leisurely pace or a more energetic speed. Both will help improve your cardiovascular health, but the latter will do so a lot quicker.
Like any form of aerobic exercise, kayaking gets your heart pumping. This encourages healthy blood flow throughout the body. With regular exercise, your cardio system will be primed and healthy. You’ll have more stamina, you’ll get tired less quickly, and you’ll feel great.
Improved Strength & Muscle Tone
While it might look easy, kayaking’s quite a workout.
The silver lining here is that kayaking is great for improving your strength and muscle tone. Regular kayaking works out the core and the upper body fantastically.
It’s also a great way to help you shed extra pounds. If you get rid of your belly fat, your abs will come out of hiding and you’ll be looking great.
Fights Depression
Research has shown that regular exercise is one of the best ways to help you fight depression.
Research has also shown that spending time in nature can help you kick the blues.
Naturally, combining nature and exercise by kayaking is going to be a great way to get rid of any depression or anxiety that you might be experiencing.
Regular exercise can also help you get rid of anxiety and improve your overall motivation levels.
Increases Energy Levels
It might sound strange when you first hear that exercising can help increase your energy levels. After all, you’re burning a ton of fuel – shouldn’t you feel tired afterwards?
The answer is both yes and no. After a day of vigorous kayaking, you’re going to be tired. However, the body is highly adaptable. That means that if you vigorously kayak often, it will adapt to the strain and start producing more energy.
All in all, this means that you’ll be more motivated, more stimulated, and you’ll have more balanced energy levels throughout the day.
Improves Sleep Quality
Any kind of regular exercise is going to help improve the quality of your sleep.
If you’re not getting regular exercise, then you simply won’t be that tired at the end of the day. You might end up with insomnia, or you might still be able to force yourself to fall asleep.
Either way, expending energy during the day is one of the best ways to help make sure that you fall asleep easily at night. It’ll also improve the quality of your sleep.
Conclusion
Kayaking is a fantastic workout that tones and strengthens your mind and body. Hopefully this article has inspired you to go hit the lake!
Written by Nigel Ford
