Kayak Conditioning Exercises

Kayak Conditioning Exercises

kayak image by Greg Pickens from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

When you are not on the water but want to stay in shape for kayaking, there are a number of conditioning exercises you can do to retain your shape and improve your strength. Conditioning exercises take a variety of different forms so you can stay in shape throughout the seasons.

Pull-ups

Pull-ups can be done at home or at a gym. Many gyms offer an assisted pull-up machine to provide a little extra support for those not able to do a full pull-up immediately. Pull-ups work upper arm strength and also support core strength.

Running

Running is great aerobic exercise that can improve your strength, stamina and tone. You can run year round on an indoor treadmill. In addition, try variations while running such as distance or interval workouts and also on the terrain with hills.

Pilates

Pilates is a great way to condition yourself for kayaking. Pilates builds strength and flexibility, while keeping your body tone. In addition, many pilates exercises focus on balance which is especially important for kayaking.

Swiss Ball Exercises

Swiss ball exercises are another great kayak conditioning exercises. With a Swiss ball, you can improve your core strength and also balance. Crunches on the ball or straight legged sit-ups while holding the ball work out your stomach muscles and other core areas.

Article Written By Stephanie D

Stephanie D has been writing and exploring the outdoors for as long as she can remember. She has spent time climbing across the United States and backpacking out west. Stephanie D earned her Bachelor of Science in computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Write for Trails.com
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