paddling-related stories

The joy and health benefits of kayaking

by Rigel Celeste Sep 19th 2007 2:59PM

Depending on where you live and your weather preferences, kayaking season may just be getting started or it may be finishing up. And if you have no idea which then maybe you should consider finding out, because kayaking can be great exercise for both your mind and your spirit. Rowing and paddling are great upper body workouts that can also help you improve flexibility, circulation, and joint health. Plus getting out on the water, away from the stresses of your everyday life, can really boost and rejuvenate your spirit.

If you're interested in trying it consider taking a class, and research what's available in your area because there may even be a paddling club that can help you meet others in the hobby.

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Fit Factor: Summer calorie-blasting workouts

by Martha Edwards Apr 20th 2007 6:00AM

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Well, it's almost that time of year and though there's a snowfall warning in my frozen neck of the woods, I'm not letting that deter from the fact that it is almost summer. Glorious, warm, beautiful summer. You know what that means? I can finally trade my in-gym elliptical training and treadmilling for some working out in the great outdoors. Not that I don't love the headache-inducing fluorescent-light glow of the gym, but the sun is just so much better. Even if it's not air-conditioned in the park, I'll take the outdoors any day.

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Fit Factor: Surf's up!

by Martha Edwards Feb 16th 2007 6:00AM

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Kate Hudson does it. Cameron Diaz broke her nose doing it. Those crazy kids in the Archie comics make it look so easy. What is it? It's surfing, the sport synomous with California and bleach-blond, perfectly toned pretty people on the beach. But in all fairness, surfing is a world-wide phenomenon and is popular in places you wouldn't think, like Canada (Nova Scotia and Vancouver Island in particular), the UK, Indonesia, Chile, Italy and South Africa, plus a few places you would, like Hawaii, Mexico and Australia, where yours truly is soaking up the sun right now. And since surfing is practically the national sport of Australia, I decided to find out more about it and even try it if the chance arrives.

All I know about surfing thus far is that it involves standing on a board while riding waves, and that it gave rise to the word Tubular which hit its peak of popularity while I was in Jr. So that's not a lot, but hey, I'm pretty fit and I've got good core strength, so it should be easy for me to pick it up, right? Wikipedia has a good scientific explanation of surfing, but I'm more interested in finding out just how it's done and how easy or difficult it is for a beginner.

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