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Keep fit on the canals in 2012


When it comes to making New Year’s Resolutions, getting more exercise must be high on many people’s lists. And that’s hardly surprising, considering all the extra food and drink we often indulge in over Christmas. However, if you want to stick to your new regime beyond January, it’s important to choose a form of exercise that you really enjoy. Going to the gym can get boring and repetitive for many people, which can be a big factor in causing them to give up. However, if you try getting out and about on the canals and rivers instead, you might just find an activity you enjoy so much you actually want to exercise. Exercising on the waterways means you get fresh air, meet friendly people, and there’s always something new to see.

Walking

Walking has to be one of the simplest and most accessible ways to get fit – you don’t need much in the way of specialist equipment, you can do it almost anywhere and you can start as gently as you need to suit your level of fitness. Plus, of course, it’s completely free.

The canal towpaths provide great, easy walking routes for beginners. They are mostly flat, and generally less muddy than other paths. It is also very difficult to get lost, as all you have to do is keep following the canal.
You can search for canal and riverside walking routes near you on waterscape’s walking pages.

Or, to get you started, why not try one of these organised walking events:

Canoeing

Canoeing or kayaking is a great all-over work out. If done correctly, one forward stroke uses all of the muscles from your toes to your arms. The repetition of this movement will also improve your core stability and balance.

However, you don’t need to be super-fit to get started at canoeing or kayaking, and it is suitable for people of all ages. Howard Blackman, head of participation at Canoe England, says: “Canoeing is for everyone. The beauty of the sport is that it has low impact on your joints and you can paddle with any fitness level and whatever your fitness level currently is, it will improve. The sport can be as gentle or demanding as you like.”

Canoeing is also a wonderful way to enjoy nature. You can travel along the canals and rivers almost silently, which means you can often get up close to wildlife without disturbing it.

For more information about getting started and finding your local canoe club or centre visit www.canoe-england.org.uk.

Cycling

Cycling is a great form of aerobic exercise, which burns lots of calories and strengthens all the major muscle groups. It is also low-impact, which means it does not put a lot of strain on the joints. Many stretches of canal towpaths now have surfaces suitable for cycling. They are traffic-free and usually flat.

However, bear in mind that they are shared with other users, and so are not suitable for high-speed cycling. Be considerate, give ‘two tings’ on your bell when passing pedestrians, and always follow the Towpath Code of Conduct. You will also need to download a free cycle permit to cycle on British Waterways’ towpaths, except in Scotland and London.

Find a cycling route near you.

Volunteering

If exercising for its own sake is not interesting enough for you, then why not try volunteering for something that involves physical activity? There are lots of great projects you can get involved in to help improve your local canal or river. Work such as litter picking, clearing or planting vegetation, removing graffiti and painting railings can all help to get you moving and burning off calories.

British Waterways’ volunteer leader, Claire McDonald organised active volunteering days on the Aire & Calder Navigation in the summer. Claire says: “These types of activities are a great opportunity for people to get out into the fresh air and make a real difference to the local environment. It’s a great opportunity to stay active, meet new people and enjoy a real sense of achievement at the end of the day.”

To find a volunteering opportunity near you, visit waterscape’s volunteering pages and search for practical roles in your local area.

Last updated: 03/01/2012

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