Paddling For Core Fitness

Betty Esperanza
Oct 31, 2016
2 min read

Original Article from http://www.inflatablekayakworld.com/paddling-for-core-fitness/

What is the Core?

Your core is between your ribcage and your hips and contains about thirty different muscles. These muscles bridge the gap between your upper and lower body and work together with every single move you make.

If your core is strong it will support your entire body. A strong core will give you strength as well as stability, balance and support for your back, hips and joints.

If however your core is weak, your body will not function at its best and it is quite likely that you may suffer from all sorts of different aches and pains.

Although the overall fitness of the entire body is important, it is the core that takes first place as the single most important muscles to work out.

Core Workouts Do Not Have to be Boring

The core does get a slight workout from doing aerobic type exercises but from what I have learned it is imperative to do other exercises that focus specifically on the core muscles.

Normally when you think of working out your mid section boring sit-ups and crunches come to mind. However there are numerous other activities that you can do that are way more fun and still provide a major core workout. Paddling happens to be a great way to build your core strength.

Paddling for Core Strength

If your exercise is not fun then you will not likely stick with it. If you enjoy the water and love being outdoors then paddling such as dragon boating, kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddling are excellent recreational activities that mainly work the core muscles.

It may seem like paddling works mainly your arms, shoulders and back but in truth if you are doing it properly the major strength with each stroke comes from your core...

Make the Core a Priority

All too often the core muscles get neglected because it can seem very difficult to build them up. However with numerous different activities to choose from that engage the core muscles, any person of any age can benefit from a stronger mid section, more balance as well as greater overall stability.

As I have now learned it is the key focus for most athletes and needs to be a priority for all of us “regular” people as well if we want to stay young, healthy and strong. Lucky for us, paddling is a great core fitness workout.