What are the Benefits of Kayaking?

Maybe you have long been a lover of kayaking and you just know that there is something inherently good about it, but now you want to prove it.

Or maybe, you are looking to take up a sport that will be good for your health and you’re wondering if kayaking would be the right choice for you.

Either way, by the end of this article you will be sure to have a better understanding of what it is that makes kayaking so good for you.

Let’s start by taking a look at this infographic with 7 of the biggest health benefits of kayaking:

Share this Image On Your Site

</p><br />

<p><strong>Please include attribution to kayakernation.com with this graphic.</strong></p><br />

<p><a href=’https://kayakernation.com/benefits-kayaking/’><img src=’https://kayakernation.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/113350_KayakInfoGraph_081817-01-1.jpg’ alt=’7 Benefits of Kayaking’ 540px border=’0′ /></a></p><br />

<p>

What Else Is Kayaking Good For?

Vitamin D

There’s nothing like a good dose of Vitamin D to improve your health.

One of the easiest ways to get more Vitamin D is to expose your skin to the sun. In as little as 15 minutes, your skin can absorb the UVB rays needed to start producing Vitamin D.

Among other benefits, proper amounts of Vitamin D are linked to stronger bones, reduced risk of type 1 diabetes, as well as decreased risk of certain forms of cancer.

If getting out on your kayak for even half an hour a day can lead to improvements in your health like that, who wouldn’t want to do it?

Low-Impact Aerobic Activity

Many people who would benefit from increased physical fitness have issues with their joints, which makes it difficult to participate in the very activities that could improve their quality of life.

One solution to their dilemma is to find low-impact activities that get their heart rate up and cause their muscles to work without causing unnecessary strain on their joints.

It just so happens that kayaking is one of those low-impact aerobic activities. Because you are seated and there isn’t any jarring of joints going on, kayaking is a great activity for pretty much anyone trying to get a bit more active who struggles with painful joint function.

Building Lean Muscles

For an activity that you do sitting down, you’d be surprised just how many muscles you use while kayaking.

Obviously, through the motion of paddling, you will be giving your entire arms a great workout.

But, did you know that you will be working your back, core, and legs as well?

Because your kayak is on the water, which is always moving, you need to balance and compensate with an engaged back and core, using your legs to brace and adjust as you go.

Calorie Scorcher

Kayaking actually burns a great amount of calories.

According to Men’s Fitness, kayaking burns roughly 205 calories an hour. If you are looking for an activity that will help you to burn calories and shed some weight, kayaking can definitely help.

Mental Clarity

Kayaking isn’t just good for the body either. It is also great for the mind.

Kayaking can be as relaxing or intense as you make it. If you choose a quiet, calm location, kayaking can be a relaxing beginning, middle, or end to your day.

Take in the sights and sounds of nature and just breathe deeply as you paddle around the lake, allowing all your stresses to simply melt away, even if just for a few moments.

Or, if you prefer to expand your mind by working it, take your kayak on a white water adventure where you have to be alert and ready for whatever nature throws at you next.

Whatever body of water you choose to kayak on, you will be growing your mind one way or another.

The Verdict – Benefits of Kayaking

If you are looking at taking up a new activity, or if you need to defend your current love for kayaking, look no further than this list, which proves, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that kayaking is good for you both mentally and physically. As if a true kayaker would ever have any doubts!