Kayak Workout
What a Workout!
This morning, I drove out to Utah Lake for the first time to see what kind of a kayak workout that would be. It’s now ten hours later and I can definitely “feel the burn, baby!”
This morning, I drove out to Utah Lake for the first time to see what kind of a kayak workout that would be. It’s now ten hours later and I can definitely “feel the burn, baby!”
Bucking Waves on Utah Lake
|
|
Launching from Lindon Marina
I was looking to have a quiet, calm paddle but at 148 square miles, Utah Lake is large enough to pick up some pretty good waves when the wind is blowing. The lake was pretty rough when we arrived at 8:00 a.m. and I wasn’t sure if Cynthia, a newcomer to kayaking, was up to the challenge. She seemed game, so we launched. We started out at Lindon Marina and headed northwest, diagonal to the incoming waves. Due to the choppiness, we didn’t make a lot of headway, but sometimes kayaking is about the doing and not just getting somewhere.
Launching from Lindon Marina
I was looking to have a quiet, calm paddle but at 148 square miles, Utah Lake is large enough to pick up some pretty good waves when the wind is blowing. The lake was pretty rough when we arrived at 8:00 a.m. and I wasn’t sure if Cynthia, a newcomer to kayaking, was up to the challenge. She seemed game, so we launched. We started out at Lindon Marina and headed northwest, diagonal to the incoming waves. Due to the choppiness, we didn’t make a lot of headway, but sometimes kayaking is about the doing and not just getting somewhere.
Lindon Marina - A Good Place to Launch
|
|
Windy Utah Lake
After we had been out long enough for a decent workout and to get thoroughly soaked (drip guards are useless in the wind), we headed back to shore. Cynthia had some difficulty getting her kayak to track straight going away from the waves, so I used my paddle leash to attach the back of my yak to her bow. Then I paddled double time to keep us both going in the right direction. I think I’ll be paying for that in the next few days and here’s where I’ll be feeling it the most:
Windy Utah Lake
After we had been out long enough for a decent workout and to get thoroughly soaked (drip guards are useless in the wind), we headed back to shore. Cynthia had some difficulty getting her kayak to track straight going away from the waves, so I used my paddle leash to attach the back of my yak to her bow. Then I paddled double time to keep us both going in the right direction. I think I’ll be paying for that in the next few days and here’s where I’ll be feeling it the most:
The Wind Stirs Up the Water
|
|
|
Attack of the Lats The largest muscle in the upper body is the latissimus dorsi. Every stroke of the paddle engages this muscle group. It’s like doing multiple single-arm rows at the gym – only harder! |
|
|
Delt Drama The circular motion of kayak paddling engages all of your shoulders – anterior (front), lateral (middle) and posterior (rear) deltoids. |
|
|
Biceps and Triceps and Forearms, Oh My
When you dip and pull the paddle, the biceps engage. But the triceps are also working to push against the paddle with each stroke. Plus, the brachioradialis (forearm) and carpi ulnaris muscles will be tested as you grip and maneuver the paddle. After this morning’s adventure, my hands, wrists and forearms are feeling a bit cramped. |
|
|
Pop Those Pecs The pectoral muscles of the chest stabilize the shoulder and pull the arms in. Bench presses in the gym can help prepare you for kayaking. |
|
|
Core Power The rotation involved in paddling a kayak means the abdominals are going to be involved. A few days on the water might get you that hourglass shape you’ve been wanting. |
|
|
Isometric Effects Cynthia, my newbie kayaker, was surprised at how fatigued her legs were when we got back on dry land. When you think about how your legs tighten and brace as you paddle or balance, it makes sense. |
|
