A few hours spent paddling down a river or around a lake can do wonders for your health. Not only does this form of exercise give you exposure to the sun to elevate your vitamin D levels, but it also builds muscle. Paddling sports also burn calories to help you lose fat. A paddling workout can play a key role in your fitness routine if you have a few pounds to lose or want to keep a fit body. Always consult a doctor, though, before starting this or any new workout regimen.

Paddling Off the Pounds

Whether you choose to enjoy the solitude of a canoeing trip or meet up with other outdoor enthusiasts to paddle together, canoeing is a challenging upper-body workout that burns calories quickly. HealthStatus reports that a 175-pound person burns around 357 calories in 60 minutes of canoeing at 2 mph. The same person burns around 735 calories canoeing at 4 mph for 60 minutes.

Kayaking for Fitness

Canoeing isn't the only paddling sport that gets you out on the water. HealthStatus notes that kayaking burns calories slightly faster than canoeing at 2 mph, but not as fast as canoeing at 4 mph. A 175-pound person burns around 399 calories during a 60-minute kayaking outing.