John Sego’s wife, Marilyn, perked his interest in kayaking some years ago, as a way for the couple to get some exercise.

Now, the Martinsville residents just do it for fun.

“Exercise is kind of the by-product,” Sego says.

Whether on vacation or on the lake in Painted Hills, Sego hits the water nearly every weekend. Although this summer has been unusually wet and cool, the 54-year-old tries to get out when he can. Some of his favorite spots are in White River, Patoka Lake and Wildcat Creek.

“Normally, I do it about every weekend,” Sego said.

The Indianapolis native enjoys fishing out of his kayak as well, especially since the equipment is much easier to unload than a boat.

For Sego, less hassle hauling equipment is just as beneficial to the mind as interacting with nature in such a personal way.

“It’s an incredible feeling to be so close and intimate with the water. It’s a really neat feeling,” says John Meuser of Indiana University Outdoor Adventures.

IU Outdoor Adventures offers unique outdoor recreational opportunities such as a kayaking course on Lake Monroe.

“It’s definitely an aerobic exercise,” Meuser says.

It’s a good workout for the core muscles — the sides and oblique muscles — because of the twisting motion.

Meuser says the arms are not worked as much as one may think, but that leg muscles get attention from pumping in conjunction with paddle strokes.

Meuser, 41, says the paddling sport is a good workout for him, especially since he sustained knee and shoulder injuries in years past.

“It’s a very invigorating activity that’s low impact.”

Canoeing and Kayaking for beginners

• Research the sport online: Not all bodies of water are necessary “kayak-friendly.”

• Go lightweight: Cheap paddles are heavy; more expensive paddles are lightweight. Go light.

• Get some padding: Kayak seats do not usually have much padding. Sego says regular kayakers bring extra padding so that the “butt doesn’t fall asleep.”

• Falling out is difficult: To flip over a kayak, you must work at it.