If you’re into kayaking, you will know you need to keep your fitness level up to have the best chance of staying above the water. Whether you already have your next kayaking trip planned or you are thinking of booking one soon, it is never too late to begin to think about improving your fitness levels. Before you head back out onto the water, whether it is the river or sea, here are some simple ways to improve your fitness beforehand.
Exercising
The best exercise for kayaking? Kayaking, of course. If you are part of a local kayaking team or club, they will often hire out local swimming pools when the weather is poor to get you out on the water, or for a refresher. You may also want to join a gym that contains a rowing machine – as this is definitely the next best thing to being out on the water. If you’d prefer to train from the comfort of your own home, Rowing Reviews hub com can give you the lowdown on the best rowing machine to get. Working on your muscle strength can also be very helpful, especially if you like to go kayaking on rapids or on the sea, where you may be working hard against the water.
Train Regularly
The best way to improve your fitness levels before your next kayaking trip is training regularly. Have a fitness routine you can stick to, and aim to train at least 3-5 times a week for around 30-60 minutes each time. Doing this is a guaranteed way to see improvement and be ready for the next time you wish to set out on your kayak. Write down or memorize a certain routine that you will complete every time you go to the gym, or in your home if you have a home gym. Having a plan in the gym means you will be much more productive, and remember, as your fitness levels improve, you can add more reps or spend a little longer on each machine.
Diet
To improve fitness levels, we must look at what is going into our bodies and how that food is being used. Diet plays a crucial role in muscle gain and overall fitness. To achieve optimal results, it’s essential to fuel your body with the right nutrients. A well-balanced diet rich in lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats provides the building blocks for muscle growth (check out this meal plan for muscle gain, if interested) and repair. Adequate protein intake supports muscle synthesis, while carbohydrates provide energy for workouts. The right foods can assist you in building muscle, speed recovery, and improve your endurance levels – all very helpful when kayaking. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to be a muscle booster. When your muscles are aching the day after a long workout, watermelon can be used to reduce muscle soreness. Eating the right foods in moderation alongside an exercise routine can help you improve your fitness levels. You don’t need to give up all your favorite foods; you are not going on a diet, just improving it.
Improving your fitness levels before you go on your next kayaking trip can make it a lot easier to get back kayaking, especially if you haven’t done it in a while. Wherever you go kayaking, enjoy your trip and stay fit!
