In my home gym I have a pretty basic gym machine, bench, free weights, resistance bands, balance ball, double-end speed bag, speed bag, ab roller, foam roller and balance board. The double end speed bag and speed bag have been a huge help in keeping me in shape for the paddling seasons, and for a fight :). The double end speed bag is by far my favorite piece of equipment in my home gym. When you punch you start at your foot and end at your hand. Your entire body is in on the action. You are not standing still you are bouncing all around. It's an incredible full body workout, super fun and great for hand-eye coordination. It's something to keep in mind to add to your list of workout routines or add to your home gym. For cardio in the winter I mostly nordic ski and will occasionally jog in the spring, summer and fall. I’m pretty much on the water paddle boarding or kayaking everyday in the spring, summer and fall too.

If you live in an apartment, a small space or don’t want to deal with free weights get some resistance bands they are fantastic. You can pretty much take any free weight exercise and use resistance bands instead. You can order them online and you don’t have to leave your house!

There’s fantastic videos on the web of professional trainers that will show you the proper technique for the exercises that I’m going to list below so google them if you have any questions on how to perform the specific exercise. As I mentioned earlier, I’m not a personal trainer and don’t feel comfortable telling you how to perform the exercise. I’m just going to tell you some of the upper body exercises that I like to do to keep me in shape for paddling. Remember to also work on your core and lower body and get that heart rate up with some cardio.'

'If lifting weights or using resistance bands is new to you start with less weight and then you can work your way up. Don’t push it because you can injure yourself. 2-3 sets of 10-15 reps each is a good place to start. If it’s not too cold where you live and you have a backyard you can do most or all of the exercises outside.

There you have it. A couple of my favorite upper body exercises that help keep me strong and safe from injury for paddling. Thanks for reading!'

Till next time,

Elaine Campbell