Kayaking

Working out has so many forms, one such form that I've jumped into is kayaking.  I love the water and what a nice way to burn some calories while enjoying nature.  

As mention from this site, kayaking is a low impact activity that improves your aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility.  Some specific benefits include:

• Improved cardiovascular fitness,

• Increased muscle strength, particularly in the back, arms, shoulders and chest, from moving the paddle, 

• Increased torso and leg strength, as the strength to power the kayak comes mainly from rotating the torso and applying pressure with your legs, and

• Reduced risk of wear and tear on the joints and tissues, since paddling is a low impact activity. 

According to the American Council on Exercise, a 125 lb person burns about 283 calories per hour while kayaking. A 200 lb person burns a whopping 454 calories.  Which makes sense, because the heavier you are, the more energy you expend when you exercise.  

No matter what form of activity you do, it's going to be much better than sitting on the couch. 

If you have any interest in learning how to kayak or canoe in Northeast Ohio, click here to check out the Akron Power Squadron's site on classes, 41 North Coastal Kayak Adventures or look on the American Canoe Association list of classes near you. 

So let the mind flow like water. Face life with a calm and quiet mind and everything in life will be calm and quiet.

~ Thich Thien-An