Winter Workouts to Help Build Rafting Muscles

People often discount how much more power you get out of a technically sound smaller stroke versus several strokes with no technique. The difference is incredible. Developing a flawless paddling technique takes time and can only really be accomplished with proper rowing muscles. Paddling properly is a full body motion. With different strength and endurance workouts you can greatly improve you rowing muscles. Take a look at these winter workouts to start preparing for this upcoming whitewater season.

Most people think paddling all revolves around arm strength. Though in reality, rowing strength really originates from your core. Two great exercises to help strengthen your core and lower back are seated ball oblique twists and twisting back raises. When paddling you are usually seated at an angle. Positioned as such, you spend a lot of time leaning to one side of your body when paddling. Having a strong core and lower back greatly helps improve your paddling strokes.

While your core is one of the fundamental muscles for developing a technically sound paddle stroke, your legs also play an important factor. While rafting you need to be able to brace yourself and hold yourself in the raft if you hit a hole, your quads play an important part in allowing you to do so. To get your quads in top paddling shape try a few reps of squats.

Rafting is a very dynamic sport that requires total body strength. Other than a strong core and lower body, a strong upper body is also needed. To help with the building of arm strength there are several workouts you can do. The best arm workouts are of course the classics, push ups and pull ups. Though sometimes boring, these workouts are great and are sure to build muscle fast.

Rafting is a sport that requires both endurance and strength. However, it can be difficult to keep your paddling muscles in tact once winter hits and the rivers freeze. The winter exercises listed above provide workouts for the main muscles you use while rafting.