4 Mental and Physical Benefits of Kayaking

November 22, 2019

Are you looking to try kayaking as a new hobby? If so, great idea. Kayaking is more than just a fun time. This sport offers both mental and physical benefits to its participants. So, what exactly is so great about kayaking?

Check out this guide to discover the top mental and physical benefits of kayaking.

1. Weight Loss

It’s estimated that 160 million Americans are either obese or overweight.

This is an alarming statistic, and it’s clear that we all could be doing more to stay in better shape. However, many of us who are trying to lose weight get bored with going to the gym.

If you’re someone who’s looking to shake up your gym routine, we suggest trying kayaking.

If you paddle at approximately 5 mph, you can burn roughly around 400 calories each hour! And, you’ll likely be having so much fun that you’ll want to kayak for more than an hour, meaning you could easily burn over a thousand calories in an afternoon of kayaking.

While kayaking doesn’t allow you to burn as many calories as you would running or swimming, it does provide a nice change of pace from your regular workout. And, it’s a nice opportunity to get in some exercise while spending time outdoors.

2. Reduces Stress

Kayaking is one of the best activities you can do if you’re looking to melt away the stresses of everyday life.

After a long day of being bombarded with phone calls, texts, and emails, there’s perhaps nothing more relaxing than shutting all of that out, hopping in your kayak, and letting your daily stresses melt away.

Plus, not only does kayaking help you calm down and destress, but it can also increase your mental focus. When you’re kayaking, you have to pay attention to where you’re going and what you’re doing. Because of this, you won’t have time to think about the other stresses in your life.

3. Improves the Cardiovascular System and Muscle Strength

Kayaking isn’t just for those who want to lose weight.

By paddling your kayak consistently, you’ll give yourself a great cardiovascular workout. This can help improve your heart health, raise your endorphin levels, and boost your mood.

And, the sport can also help strengthen your muscles. Kayaking works and strengthens the following muscles:

• Biceps
• Triceps
• Glutes
• Deltoid
• Trapezius
• Abdomen
• Obliques
• Pectoral muscles
• Lats
• Forearms

While it may not be as efficient in toning your muscles as weight lifting is, it sure is more fun.

4. Boost Vitamin D Levels

About 10 percent of US adults suffer from a vitamin D deficiency.

Seeing as vitamin D helps to regulate your mood and fight off depression, this is a major concern.

One of the best ways to boost your vitamin D levels is to spend more time outside. Kayaking is a great way to make sure you get enough time outside each week so that your vitamin D levels can improve.

Benefits of Kayaking: Are You Ready to Pick Up the Sport?

As you can see, there are a lot of great benefits of kayaking.

If you’d like to try kayaking, we suggest taking a lesson before you go out on the water on your own. This way, you’ll feel much more comfortable when you try it by yourself for the first time.

Check out our class schedule to learn more.