Determined not to skip cardio this week? With a stuffy gym and long wait times, motivating yourself for a cardio session can be quite tiring. Why not pick something you’ll never want to miss? Something that is adventurous but requires loads of energy. Yup, you guessed it right! Try out Ocoee river rafting for an intense cardio session.

Firstly, the fresh smell of nature is a refreshing alternative to the sweaty air in the gym. But there’s so much more to it. Let’s unpack five benefits, one at a time, that can combine to provide even more advantages than hours spent on the treadmill.

Is Rafting The New Cardio?

When you think of rafting, you see yourself on the raft, all geared up and shrieking and laughing at the rapids, having a wonderful time in nature. That’s a great picture that leaves you craving for adventure but let’s take a step back and examine the bigger picture, it has so much more to offer.

As you raft, you are engaging in a full-body workout that engages your arms, legs, and core while pumping up your cardiovascular health unlike anything you’ve experienced. A solid rafting trip can burn around 300-500 calories per hour, comparable to or even surpassing the burn from running on the treadmill and cycling.

The thrill of the water acts as a natural stress reliever, but it also provides direct mental benefits that often get overlooked in the momentary excitement. Yes, taking care of your body can look and feel that much better when it is fun and challenging. 

Physical Benefits of Using Rafting as a Cardio Session

To best understand the benefits of the physical benefits of Ocoee river rafting, let us dissect it as a cardio exercise instead of a vacation adventure. This water-based workout targets multiple areas of the body effectively so which when done routinely will deliver results that you wouldn’t expect, here is how:

Cardiovascular health

Rafting is a physically challenging activity, as one might expect. It keeps your heartbeat elevated and gets your blood pumping. This continuous exertion on water results in better heart health, stronger blood vessels, and enhanced overall circulation, which is the ultimate aim of any cardio activity.

Abdominal Muscles / Abs

When you paddle, you actively engage and strengthen your core. When done consistently as the occasional cardio session, it will help you tone your abdominal muscles. Planks make minutes feel like hours but your Ocoee river rafting session will go by in a swoop and leave you wanting more.

Arm and Shoulder Muscles

Your core isn’t the only muscle working hard during rafting—it’s a full upper-body workout. Every paddle stroke requires you to push with full force, whether you’re moving with or against the rapids. This movement targets your arms, shoulders, and upper back muscles simultaneously, which leaves you with a pump like no other. 

Blood Sugar Regulation

The go-to advice for you to get for better blood sugar regulation and cardiovascular health in general is staying active which is truly spot on. What could be more fun than creating lasting memories with family and friends, or even by yourself, all while surrounded by breathtaking scenery that will stay with you for a lifetime?

More Vitamin D

In addition to the stunning views and unbeatable adventure, rafting offers another significant benefit: extended sun exposure. This exposure serves as a catalyst for your Vitamin D levels. We’ve all heard about the importance of soaking up some sun since childhood, and the list of benefits lives up to its hype. The benefits range from strengthening bones to enhancing immune function and significantly helping with mental health by uplifting mood and reducing stress levels.

How Rafting Leads to a Happier, Healthier Mind

The benefits of choosing rafting as your cardio session extend beyond the physical advantages we’ve discussed. It can also enhance your mental well-being in surprising ways. Here are a few ways rafting can strengthen your mental health just as effectively as it improves your physical fitness:

Sunlight Equals Better Mood

Let’s pick up from where we left off. They say a stroll through the park can brighten your mood, have you ever wondered why? Sunlight stimulates the brain to produce serotonin, a hormone that naturally enhances your mood, making you feel happier, calmer, and more focused.

More Adrenaline, More Focus

Adrenaline and adventure go hand in hand, and only a few sports match the thrill of a solid Ocoee river rafting trip. This ‘rush’ as we generally call it can heighten your focus and sharpen your mental clarity. You feel your most present in the moment and feel that sixth sense spike up, that’s the adrenaline rush that is hard to top.

Reduce Stress

Exercise in general is a proven way to relieve stress, and few activities do it as effectively and wholesomely as rafting. Not only does it physically displace you away from your daily routine and pressure, but it also allows you to get up close to nature, all while having a blast on the water. 

Some Health Conditions Can Be a Hurdle for Rafting

Even though rafting is an exciting option for people of all ages and skill levels, it’s important to make sure your body is up for the physically challenging adventure. 

For your safety, if you have serious heart issues, a history of such conditions, severe asthma, recent surgery, significant back or neck problems, epilepsy, or are pregnant, it’s advisable to pause your rafting plans and consult with your doctor first.

Keep in mind that for Ocoee river rafting at RaftOne, the minimum age is 12 years, and while there’s no upper age limit, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor if you have any serious medical history. There are no height or weight restrictions, but you will need to fit into a class V life vest. Also, remember that alcohol and illegal drugs aren’t allowed before or during the trip to ensure a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.
For those interested in the history of the Ocoee River, including notable events like the Ocoee Olympics, there’s much more to discover. Understanding these aspects can add to the excitement of your rafting adventure and provide valuable context for your trip.

Conclusion

Ditch the gym for a change of scenery, literally—but not at the cost of your fitness goals. Soak up the sun and hit the water this weekend. Whether you’re going solo or bringing along friends and family, it’s time to shake things up and turn your cardio goals into an adventure. Reach out to RaftOne to book an Ocoee river rafting trip that will have you looking forward to your cardio sessions.