Ever consider boating as a form of exercise? You may not know, but boating offers countless benefits, including improved fitness. Like many hobbies, it requires you to move your body, often for hours on end. Whether you’re a new or experienced boater, it can be an effective way to keep yourself in shape without spending hours at the gym.
Let’s take a closer look at why boating makes such a great workout.
What Are the Benefits of Exercising on a Boat?
1. Cardio Exercise
Activities such as rowing and paddling can do wonders for your cardiovascular health. Not only will they elevate your heart rate, but they may also improve blood flow and strengthen your heart. Just like running or cycling, boating can help you reduce the risk of obesity, hypertension, and heart disease. Essentially, it’s a fun way to support a healthy heart.
2. Muscle Engagement
Rowing, steering, and maneuvering require you to engage several muscle groups at once. These include your back, core, shoulders, arms, and legs. If you set sail regularly, you’ll strengthen these muscles and even improve your muscle tone over time. Whether you’d like better core stability or a stronger lower or upper body, boating can help you get there.
3. Improved Flexibility
When you’re out on the water, you have to shift and move your body frequently. This can help you become more flexible and agile, both of which are important if you’d like to increase your range of motion and reduce your risk of falls. Greater flexibility may also promote stability and coordination, which are essential for preventing injuries.
4. Low Impact Movements
You don’t have to run a marathon every day to stay fit and healthy, and avid boaters are living proof of that. Unlike many forms of exercise, boating is low-impact, meaning it’s easy on the joints and ideal for those with joint pain or previous injuries. You can paddle, row, or sail without placing too much pressure on your knees and other body parts. Plus, you’ll be able to work your entire body without putting too much impact on a single joint.
5. Calorie Burning
Burning calories is one of the keys to maintaining a healthy weight. Activities like rowing and watersports may also allow you to burn a significant amount of calories per hour. When paired with a nutritious diet and reduced stress, boating may be the ultimate weight-loss solution.
How to Exercise on a Boat
If you’re looking to up your fitness game while boating, here are several activities that can allow you to do just that.
Sailing
Sailing is a lot of fun, but it also takes work. Think about it. You have to adjust sails, hoist lines, and move around. You’ll improve your strength and balance while having a blast on the water.
Watersports
When it comes to watersports, there is no shortage of options. Whether you pursue waterskiing, paddleboarding, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, kitesurfing, or any other thrilling sport, you’ll give yourself a killer cardio and full-body workout.
Boat Yoga
If you prefer more gentle exercise, you can’t go wrong with yoga on a boat deck. All you need is some relaxing music, a yoga ball, and some resistance bands. You’ll improve your flexibility and balance while calming your mind.
Swimming
Swimming is another low-impact exercise that works your entire body while remaining gentle on the joints. Get off the boat every once in a while to swim around, strengthen your muscles, and burn some calories.
Swimming Near a Boat: Safety Tips
Fishing
Fishing might seem like a leisurely boating activity, but it can also strengthen your upper body while improving coordination. Casting and reeling require you to work your core, arms, and shoulders.
Read Next: Fishing Tips for Beginners
Boating for Fitness: Turn Every Outing into a Workout
At the end of the day, your health is the most important thing. Fortunately, boating regularly can help you make it a priority while taking in the fresh air and making memories with your loved ones. It’s the ideal way to maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress levels, and improve your overall mental health.
