Paddle UK is working with Ordnance Survey (OS) to encourage people to take their workouts to the great outdoors.
The Our Gym is Better Than Yours Campaign encourages people to exercise in the fresh air this spring instead of the gym.
The OS campaign has alternative ideas for outdoor activity that can replicate the physical workouts inside a gym.
The workouts have the added mental health benefits that being outside brings.
Spending time out in the ‘Blue Gym’ (in our lakes, rivers, coastlines and canals) is hugely beneficial for our minds and bodies.
Why paddling is great for you
Paddling is a great low impact exercise. It helps build your core strength and provides a great cardio workout.
That’s why Paralympic silver medalist Jack Eyers has produced some workout tips for everyone to try.
His workout has the perfect balance of exercises which will help with all paddling activities.
He said: “To get out on the water is a fantastic way to get your body and mind in a healthy place.
“Paddling not only gives you a full body workout, research shows getting out in blue space is great for your mental health.
“Getting out on the water is also a fantastic way to explore new environments.”
Paddle routes for you to try
Paddle UK, with the help of Ordnance Survey, has created some paddle routes for you to try.
There are shorter 5km to 10km routes in Gloucester, on the River Tees and the River Mersey.
If you’re feeling adventurous, how about going a little further, up to 15 km, on the River Trent, on Birmingham’s Canals or on the River Lee.
Or, if you’re feeling strong, we have created routes of up to 20 km, on the Thames, the Norfolk Broads and at Lake Coniston.
Free trials of OS Maps app and exercise tips from OS Champions are all being made available as part of the campaign.
The OS app has hundreds of thousands of routes across Britain to follow that are great for paddling, walking, running, and cycling.
Paddle UK members get 30% off a new Premium subscription to the award-winning OS Maps app. Premium OS Maps features unlimited OS Explorer and Landranger mapping, plus thousands of ready-made routes for different activities, including hundreds of high quality curated paddling routes on Britain’s waterways.