It’s really important that we look after our physical health, yet so many folks lack the necessary motivation. One way to inspire people to take regular exercise is to make it fun. This can involve anything from joining a sports club to jogging with a friend.
If you’re looking for a way to get active and enjoy yourself at the same time, kayaking may be the perfect solution. It’s a great way to work out, and as you’re about to discover in this article, it offers a number of surprising health benefits.
What Is Kayaking?
Kayaking is a fun water sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Kayaks are small, lightweight boats that are propelled through the water with a paddle. They’re easy to maneuver and offer a great way to explore lakes, rivers, and coastline. You can go kayaking alone or with a group, and do it in all kinds of weather conditions.
There are many different types of kayaks available on the market, from inflatable versions to racing kayaks. There are also many accessories you can buy, such as life jackets, paddles, and storage containers.
It’s Gentle On Your Body
Like swimming, kayaking is considered a low-impact sport because it’s easy on your joints. This makes it a great workout for people of all ages, especially those who are wanting to avoid putting too much strain and stress on their bodies.
People who’ve experienced a physical injury are often limited as to what exercise they’re able to perform. It may be that kayaking will be a suitable activity for you because of its low physical impact.
If you have issues with your back, a trailer can make life easier when you go kayaking. You can see from this handy article of kayak trailer reviews that people are keen to discover photos, specifications, and prices online. They want to know about tire and wheel size, tongue length, suspension systems, and the law regarding trailers.
It Improves Your Endurance And Stamina
You need both of these physical qualities in order to keep going for a long period of time without tiring – and that includes when you’re kayaking. Paddling for long periods of time can help improve your endurance and stamina because it works both your aerobic and anaerobic systems.
When you kayak, your heart rate will increase and you’ll start to breathe harder. This is because kayaking is a cardiovascular workout. Cardio exercises are important for improving your endurance and stamina because they help your heart and lungs work more efficiently.
It Boosts Your Immune System
The immune system is a person’s defense against infection and other foreign invaders. It’s made up of several different types of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body. When the immune system detects a foreign invader, it triggers an inflammatory response in order to destroy it.
Kayaking can help boost your immune system by exposing you to new environments and microbes. Studies have shown that people who spend time outdoors have lower rates of respiratory infections, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, exposure to sunlight can help increase levels of vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system.
It Reduces Stress Levels
Stress is the uncomfortable sensation of being under mental or emotional pressure. It can come from any situation or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Chronic stress can lead to feelings of irritability, anxiety, and depression. It can also cause physical symptoms such as headaches, achy muscles, and difficulty sleeping. In extreme cases, it can even lead to heart disease.
Studies have shown that spending time in nature can help reduce our stress. Kayaking also gives you a chance to exercise, which has been clinically shown to be an effective way to reduce stress levels.
When you’re focused on paddling and steering your kayak, you can’t dwell on stressful thoughts from the past or worry about the future. This can help you to feel more relaxed and less stressed. Whilst stress can weaken your immune system, kayaking can help strengthen it.
It Improves Sleep Quality
Most people know that we need sufficient nightly sleep to feel rested and to function properly throughout the day. On average folks require eight hours of sleep per night, although this can vary from person to person.
When we are asleep we give our bodies time to heal and repair themselves. When we don’t get enough quality sleep, it can lead to a number of health problems including a weakened immune system, weight gain, anxiety, and depression.
Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels and help people relax. Second, kayaking is a great workout, and getting regular exercise has been linked with better quality sleep. And lastly, paddling is a great way to clear your mind. If you are ‘mentally uncluttered’ before bed you will be able to drift off to sleep more easily.
It Enhances Your Body
Kayaking is a great workout for your arms, shoulders, and core. If you paddle regularly, you’ll notice a significant increase in upper body strength. Your legs and glutes also get a workout as they stabilize your body while you paddle. Pedal kayaking can also help in this area. Kayaking is also great for improving your posture and preventing back pain.
Kayaking requires you to use your whole body to stay balanced in the boat and over time, this will improve your overall balance and coordination. Because kayaking is a great cardio workout, it gets your heart rate up and helps you burn calories. This can be really helpful for people seeking to lose weight.
All these different things we’ve discussed help to build a compelling case for taking up kayaking. As well as having fun in the sun and socializing with others, we can improve our health and make our bodies the very best that they can be. If you give kayaking a try you may discover a new outdoor activity that you’ll love for many years to come.
