Why Kayaking Is The Method Of Exercise You've Been Missing

If you like being outdoors on the water, then you can't beat kayaking. There are plenty of reasons to give the sport a try, even if you are new to it. Not sure if you'll like it? Look up local spots that offer daily rentals before you invest any real money in kayaking gear.

Being on a kayak means that you'll be outside, and that can be good for you in more ways than one. Sure, you'll get to enjoy the beauty of nature, but that's not all. Data published in the journal Extreme Physiology and Medicine shows that exercising outdoors can lead to vitality and an improved sense of self-esteem. Furthermore, negative emotions, such as anger, depression, and tension, tend to subside during this type of physical activity. Being outside has other benefits, too — it can also boost vitamin D levels, which can help strengthen your bones, support your immune system, and fight inflammation.

Like canoeing, kayaking strengthens several different muscle groups. When you're paddling, you will most likely feel yourself working your lats, biceps, and forearms. Additionally, you'll also work your shoulders, as well as your core and back muscles. If you kayak consistently over a few months, you can expect to see some definition in your back, lats, and biceps. Furthermore, it can be a good form of cardio, but you must challenge yourself to get your heart rate up. In other words, paddling every so often while your float down a river won't be as effective as pushing yourself to actively paddle.

While paddling on a kayak can strengthen muscles, it's less likely to be a problem if you suffer from joint pain. Kayaking is a low-impact exercise, meaning it is ideal if you have issues with your joints or don't want to put pressure on them.