For an Energizing Workout, Take It Outside
By Len CanterHealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, March 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- As the weather starts to warm up, you might be excited to restart a swimming routine, but swimming isn't the only water sport that's also fun exercise. Many activities that used to be vacation-only pastimes are more accessible than you might realize.
If you're a fan of rowing, either the real thing or with cardio equipment that simulates the movement, consider canoeing and kayaking. Both activities provide a terrific upper-body workout. The differences between the boats and the paddles might lead you to prefer one over the other.
With a canoe, you either sit on a seat or kneel. The boat is open and usually made for two or more people, so it's a good choice for family outings. To paddle, you typically alternate sides every few strokes.
A kayak is a type of canoe, often made for one person. You sit on its floor with your legs stretched out and use a double-ended paddle for alternating strokes.
For a completely different experience, there's stand-up paddleboarding, which delivers a full-body workout. You stand on the board at all times, great for improving balance and strengthening legs, and use a paddle to move through the water. You can do it on calm water if you don't want to ride waves.
Of course, if you're a landlubber, there are many indoor activities you can move outside in warm weather. Besides walking and biking, yoga and tai chi are perfect for doing outdoors, and you need only a minimum of space.
More information
The American Council on Exercise has a guide to outdoor activities to change up your workout.
The news stories provided in Health News and our Health-E News Newsletter are a service of the nationally syndicated HealthDay® news and information company. Stories refer to national trends and breaking health news, and are not necessarily indicative of or always supported by our facility and providers. This information is provided for informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.