How Canoeing Makes You Healthier
Recreational Canoeing and the Many Benefits of Nature
One of the best things about canoeing is it gets us out in nature. Even if we’re paddling in an urban area, we’re still on a river or lake, and there are usually lots of other natural things surrounding us.
When you canoe, you’ve probably noticed: You’re relaxed. You’re less stressed. You can think clearly, and think more positively.
It’s not coincidence!
Studies worldwide show that being in the natural world benefits people emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Benefits like:
- Less mental fatigue
- Reduced stress
- Reduced depression
- Lower anxiety
- Better mood
This is sounding pretty good, isn’t it?! Wait, there’s more…
- Better concentration and productivity
- More alertness
- Increased creativity
- Improved short-term memory
- Better sleep
All of these contribute to physical benefits, too: The best source of Vitamin D (the sun), less inflammation, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart attack and stroke, and a stronger immune system—which gives your body the boost it needs to fight off some cancers and other diseases more effectively.
Recommended reading: Beyond Blue to Green: The Benefits of Contact with Nature for Mental Health and Well-Being and 19 Physical & Mental Benefits of Being Outside.
Recreational Canoeing and the Many Benefits of Activity
I think we all know the many health benefits of physical activity. It’s been drilled into us for a few decades now! But let’s review anyway…
Our bodies are designed to move. Canoeing is one great way to be active. Yes, it’s a lot of sitting—but our upper body is constantly moving. That’s a nice change from activities like walking, running or biking where our lower body is doing all the work.
(If you want a great upper and lower body workout, combine your canoeing with portages!)
The benefits of physical activity, like canoeing, are:
- Less inflammation
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced risk of heart attack and stroke
- A stronger immune system.
- Less mental fatigue
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Better ability to cope with depression…
Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Yes, the benefits of physical activity are almost identical to the benefits of being in a natural environment. So with outdoor activities like canoeing, we’re getting a double-dose of all this healthiness!
Recommended reading: Plug “benefits of physical activity” into an online search engine and you’ll get approximately 12,300,000 results. That’ll keep you busy for awhile :)
So, if you need an excuse to go canoeing—you have it: Canoeing makes you healthier!
Our Wisconsin-based customer service team is ready to help you with your paddle questions: 715-755-3405 • [email protected]
More for you…
The Most Basic Canoe Strokes To Master
Why We Need to Pass On our Love of Paddling
Canoeing in the Black Hills
