One of the easiest ways to get in shape and stay in shape is by participating in fun activities that don’t feel like exercise.
With summer here and the temperatures on their way up, what better way to do just that than to get out on the water?
Snorkeling
All you need to snorkel is a mask, a pair of flippers and a body of water to explore. Snorkeling opens up the opportunity to experience a completely whole new world underwater. It is an excellent activity for the whole family and is an inexpensive way to stay in great shape.
Snorkeling is easy to learn and you don’t have to travel to an exotic location to enjoy it. Beginners can try it out in a swimming pool or in a lake. If you want to experience snorkeling with an abundance of fish and other sea life, there are even several excellent destinations right in the continental U.S., like Catalina Island off the coast of southern California and the dazzling warm waters that surround the Florida Keys.
One of the fitness benefits snorkeling provides is improving lung capacity, as breathing through a tube involves some resistance and also requires greater exertion than standard breathing. Also, as snorkelers take in a breath, holding it to dive below the surface, this serves to strengthen the lungs and improve cardiovascular fitness.
Snorkeling works the quads, hamstrings, calves, ankles, hip flexors, core and shoulders while improving flexibility and endurance.
Stand-up Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding originated in the Hawaiian Islands. This ancient form of surfing provides lots of fun and is much easier to learn than traditional surfing. It’s also more affordable than many other water sports – all you need is a paddle and a board.
This sport is one of the fastest growing today, with people all over the world enjoying the activity. It can be done almost anywhere there is water; in lakes, rivers, and the ocean. It can take on a variety of forms as well – as serene or adventurous as the paddler desires. Some choose to surf the waves, while others may choose easier paddling on the flat water of protected lakes.
Paddleboarding is an excellent full-body workout that requires constant coordination and balance. Depending on the effort, it can also be an outstanding endurance and cardiovascular activity. It is considered a great core workout, as the back and abs are used to help maintain balance. Paddling utilizes the arms, back and shoulders to propel the paddleboard while in the water, as well.
Kayaking
Kayaking has long been considered one of the most popular water sports. If you don’t want to experience the heart-pounding thrill of whitewater kayaking down a turbulent river, consider sea or lake kayaking.
Sea or lake kayaking incurs less risk than heading down the roaring rapids, and you’ll likely enjoy a great sense of peace while being on top of more tranquil waters, which provides excellent stress relieving benefits.
Kayaking provides a great upper-body workout, exercising the arms, shoulders and core muscles. Propelling the kayak forward also requires leg strength.
One of the greatest aspects of all of these fun summer activities is that they’re often performed among beautiful scenery. Not only will you get a great workout, but stress relief as well.
-The Alternative Daily
