Kayaking: A Simple Way to Build Strength and Endurance

Alex realizes that if
he wants to get in really good
shape he should tie bait
to the back of his kayak.
His new invention is
the trolling kayak-delux!
He thinks he could
build some down on
Ludington St.

 I went out kayaking recently using an old kayak that had been sitting next to the boat for about nine or ten years. It had a few holes in it, but I patched them up, and it has been holding up just fine for the past few seasons. There’s something great about being able to hop on a kayak, paddle around the bay, and get a solid workout in—especially on calm mornings.

Sometimes I just jump in and follow a loop that takes me around the bay and back to the boat. It takes about half an hour, making it a quick and efficient workout. Kayaking is excellent for building upper-body strength and core stability. The resistance of the water helps increase muscle density while you’re outside enjoying the weather.

For those interested in more advanced kayaking, there are rapids and other challenging environments to explore. However, for most people, paddling along a river or lake provides more than enough physical benefit and enjoyment.

The key is integrating exercise into your day in a way that feels natural and fun. Kayaking burns roughly 400 calories per hour, and mixing it with other activities—such as cycling, surfing, snowshoeing, or downhill skiing—adds variety and increases overall fitness while reducing the risk of overuse injuries.

I hold a fitness trainer’s license and can help you put together a basic nutrition plan and workout routine tailored to your goals. This can be done virtually, or in person if we happen to be in the same area. Send a message to the right. 

Kayaking Calories Burned

Canoe & Kayak Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Canoe,Kayak), By Application (Online Sales,Offline Sales), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2034