For The Health of It: Kayaking your way to great health

Tyler Ryan learns about the benefits of kayaking on your overall health from Hima Dalal

COLUMBIA SC (WOLO) — Paddle sports, including kayaks and paddle boarding are two of the fastest growing recreational sports in the country – mixing exercise, fresh air, and sunshine – but, according to CORA Health’s Hima Dalal, there are health benefits that go beyond  the surface.

Kayaking is an amazing way to be one with nature. When you are kayaking you are close to water, no roaring sound of a boat motor but only the soothing sound of the paddle. The American Journal of Recreational Research shows adaptive kayaking resulted in significant improvement of health deficits. Although, if kayaking is performed incorrectly or in addition to other strenuous activities, injuries can occur. Common injuries caused by kayaking include tennis elbow, shoulder impingement, back pain, & pulled hamstrings.

Stretching before kayaking and completing a proper warm up regimen beforehand is key to reaching rehabilitation goals through kayaking. Kayaking is a well-balanced workout as it includes the arms & legs in reciprocal
motion, increasing overall gross motor coordination. Kayaking is also a great exercise because it is quick to learn, can be performed by one person, & offers a good cardiovascular workout even if adaptations are necessary.

Kayaking offers many advantages that other sports do not, such as BMI not limiting ability, no chance for contact injuries, low impact workout, and it is easy to learn & relaxing. Kayaking, like any exercise, releases endorphins in the body to improve mood and happiness. The environmental aspects of bring a sense of peace & harmony to the person, making veterans ideal candidates to experience the positive health effects of kayaking.

Heroes on Water is a nonprofit program that supports the families of fallen heroes and veterans. You can support this organization & other ones like it through donations to aid in allowing veterans to experience the therapeutic healing benefits of kayaking

Healing Benefits of Kayaking
– PTSD treatment
– Parkinson’s Disease Rehabilitation
– Mental health/anxiety
– Weight loss

Reach out to your nearest Occupational or Physical Therapist for a free screening. To learn and practice mindfulness and guided meditation, or other questions contact himadalalintegrativehealth@gmail.com or hdalal@corahealth.com.