Courtesy photo: John Harris

It can be tough to find time to relax, let alone exercise.

So why not combine them?

Canoeing provides an easy outlet to spend time with family and friends and get in physical activity at the same time.

John Harris, owner of Winding River Outfitters on Ind. 37 between Martinsville and Waverly in Morgan County, says a water ride is a great way to get fresh air and a workout.

A 200-pound person can burn 319 calories an hour, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is a low-impact sport that can improve aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility. Canoeing and kayaking both increase muscle strength in back, arms, shoulders and chest from using the paddle. Strength in the legs and torso also increase due to the main movements in the boat.

The experience can be meditative and sooting, but also a fun get-together for the whole family. Exploring the river is a unique way to observe wild life in its natural state.

Harris offers four different package options that have a wide range of distance and experience. The shortest package, Winding River Beach, is a 3-mile trip that runs approximately 2-3 hours. The longest trip lasts about 10 hours and runs from Ind. 67 to Paragon.

Winding River Outfitters offers canoe, kayak and inner tube rentals. The business provides life jackets, watercraft and paddles. “It’s easy for beginners. It’s pretty self-explanatory,” Harris said. “We give instruction if they need it and we have a chase boat in case of an emergency.”

The business is open nearly 9 months out of the year, but it’s been slow this spring due to all the rain.

“Right now the river is 4-feet over flood stage. I don’t run anything when the river runs over 4,000 cubic feet a second,” said Harris. “When it rains up north a lot, it really hurts the business. We open as soon as the weather permits and usually run until the end of October.”

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More information about canoeing and Winding River Outfitters can be found at www.windingriveroutfitters.com or by calling (765) 352-2663.