Kayaking is an excellent form of exercise and is particularly notable for helping to build upper-body strength. Muscles found in the arm, shoulders and back are all used during a typical day of paddling. Additionally, you don't have to be participating in a long multiday kayaking trip or kayaking race to feel the benefit of kayaking. You should be able to bu… read more
Many people prefer cross-country skiing, not only as a means of enjoying the outdoors but also for a full body workout. Depending on individual form, a cross-country skier may use slightly different muscles, but there are at least three main muscles used in the upper, middle and lower sections of the body. read more
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. read more
Shoulder strength is a large part of being a healthy, happy outdoorsperson. Among their many benefits, strong, healthy shoulders help ease the stress of lugging a pack and can make scaling a rock face a much less daunting proposition. By utilizing a Swiss stability ball when performing shoulder exercises, you engage stability muscles and integrate your core… read more
Winter road trips are fun and fast getaways for a ski or snowboarding weekend. Car-mounted carriers or racks provide a convenient solution to transporting irregular-sized gear while optimizing space for luggage and passengers inside the vehicle. Crossbars on the roof of a sedan, wagon or SUV facilitate seasonal installation because specialty racks can be mou… read more
It has been said that climbing is one of the best exercises in the world. Not only does climbing offer a great cardio workout in comparison to running, it also works nearly every muscle in the body from the fingers to toes. While most… read more
GPS technology has lent itself well to sport watches. GPS sport watches use GPS technology to not only track your location, but also provide you with sport-specific statistics such as distance traveled, speed and ascent. Whether you're… read more
Telemark skiing, also known as free heel skiing, is becoming an ever popular form for those who enjoy a more flowing movement on the slopes. Telemark bindings enable a skier to lift his heel while making a turn and are used with specia… read more
Walking or trekking poles are little more than glorified sticks, but they can make a big difference in your hiking. Trekking poles relieve pressure on key joints, improve balance and contribute to mental focus on long walks. As with an… read more
Transverse abdominal muscles are the deepest muscles in the abdominal wall. This muscle helps stabilize the spine. The Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma reports that weak transverse abdominal muscles have been f… read more
Minor scrapes, bruises and blisters are a normal part of camping, but outdoor activity can lead to more serious injuries. A bit of bad luck or a moment's lapse of attention can lead to sprains, simple breaks or even compound fractures.… read more
Sea kayaks and similar longer craft take more work to turn than a whitewater or recreational kayak. The sweep stroke, a fundamental stroke for kayaking, works efficiently to turn sea kayaks. Think of the sweep stroke in terms of Newton… read more
You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
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