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Have you found yourself looking for a new and exciting challenge? Whether it’s to improve your health, strengthen your body, or find a new family activity to enjoy, glide your way into a new fitness regime and explore the endless benefits of kayaking with the Tees Barrage International White Water Centre.
Weight Loss
Whilst kayaking isn’t necessarily recognised as a high impact sport, you can still reap the benefits of losing weight on the water. Calorie burn will vary greatly depending on the individual’s weight and fitness levels, but research has suggested that around 400 calories can be burnt during a one hour paddle session. Tip: for a more intense workout, paddle towards the wind and current to increase the calorie burn.
Less Stress
One of the luxuries of kayaking is that you are in control of your own of your vessel and can go at your own pace, meaning you can paddle in solitude and don’t have the added worry of having to keep up with others. If possible, you should take some time out once a week to exercise to allow you to fully unwind.
Strengthens Core Muscles
Kayaking is an excellent way to improve body strength, as not only does the motion of rotating and balancing target the major muscle groups, it will progressively condition your core, helping to tone your stomach and arms.
Social Opportunities
If you’re a novice, it would be a good idea to take a few lessons beforehand, rather than simply throwing yourself in at the deep end. Not only will kayaking help you to improve your skills, it is also a great opportunity to have fun and make friends with fellow opportunity-takers.
Tones Legs
Whilst kayaking is generally associated with improving upper body strength, it also contributes significantly to the glutes and legs. Your legs will constantly apply pressure in order to maintain stability, which encourages tightening of the muscles in your calves and thighs.
Natural Surroundings
Being immersed in natural surroundings and spending a few hours floating under the sky is paramount to switching off and clearing your mind. Cultivating your mental health through kayaking is a perfect way to unwind and relax after a stressful week.
Boosts Self Esteem
Learning to kayak is an excellent way to give yourself a little ego boost. Not only will you be overcome with a sense of pride and accomplishment when overcoming tough challenges, the mental rewards and satisfaction will have a significant impact on your self esteem.
Elevates Cardiovascular Health
Whilst kayaking might be recognised as a fairly low impact sport, it can have a major contribution to your cardiovascular fitness. As the natural resistance of the water promotes the usage of all major muscle groups, this consequently encourages your heart rate to increase and allows for blood to be pumped around the body more efficiently.
Upper Body Workout
Kayaking is a recognised sport that mostly, but not exclusively, trains the upper body. Whilst it does depend of the level of intensity, kayaking requires precise control that will trigger your arms and shoulders, meaning you will improve your overall upper body strength and stamina.
The Whole Family Can Get Involved
Not only will you benefit from the physical health benefits of kayaking, but it is an amazing opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life and bring the whole family together to explore the natural world. Kayaking is a peaceful activity that can be enjoyed at all ages and levels of expertise. Why not take a look at the various kayaking courses that are available at Tees Barrage International White Water Centre to set you and your family on the right path.
Still not sure whether kayaking is the right sport for you? Take a look at this video from the British Canoeing organisation on how canoeing and kayaking can benefit your life.
Before you start your new hobby, it is crucial that you have the correct supplies and safety equipment to get you through your endeavours. Take a look at NorthShore Watersports for ultimate equipment and accessories from the top watersports brands.
