How to Warm Up for Kayaking

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Kayaking in Alaska

It is critical, as it is with any sport, to warm up and stretch, to avoid injury. Since kayaking requires strength and endurance, you should incorporate exercises and stretches you’re your daily workout routine to build these up. Kayaking uses the entire body and is a physical activity.Improve your speed and power with exercises that will stretch and strengthen all your muscles. Contrary to what the novice may think, the upper body does not do all the work. The strength to power a kayak comes mainly from torso rotation and applying leg pressure.Kayaking uses the torso and legs, especially in several paddling strokes. Make certain a pre-kayak warm-up works out the entire body. This will make your Kayaking Skills more efficient and will help lessen the chances of getting sprains, back pain, and injuries.Since one of the first techniques a kayaker learns is to recover, while strapped in, to recover from a capsizing, learn, practice, and train with exercises that include breathing techniques.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

How to Warm Up for Kayaking

Step 1

Try running and cycling. Quads are also used in paddling strokes and rotation of the upper body so make sure to work out those muscles. Running and cycling are good, especially for quads; they help in toning muscles, improving strength and endurance.
Step 2

Go swimming. This is an excellent form of full-body exercise. Try doing different strokes so you can fully benefit from this activity.
Step 3

Try jumping jacks or running in place on the shore. Warm-up by elevating your heart rate and breathing before stepping into the kayak.
Step 4

Do push-ups. Push-ups are considered by many seasoned kayakers as the best way of improving shoulder strength and stability.
Step 5

Stretch arms--reach up, reach left and right using your torso. Do side bends on left and then right sides. Sit on the ground and spread your legs out--reach for the left foot, and then the right. Still sitting, put your legs together and reach for your feet.

Tips & Warnings

After exercise, take a lukewarm bath to restore the body’s water. Since many kayak trips are in cold water, consider bathing in cold water to get your body accustomed to it.
Wear sunscreen; even if the day isn’t particularly sunny, UV rays still come through.
Train slowly and in moderation. Avoid sprains and injuries.

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