Other standard routine circuits can be used providing they remain the same for each test. All forms of muscular exercise will stress the muscles which will adapt by becoming stronger. In slalom canoeing the muscles of the upper body, particularly the arms, shoulders, back and chest will become stronger by paddling. These muscles can also be further stressed by other forms of resistance training such as paddling upstream, towing a bucket, using a rowing machine or by weights. Weight training is widely used by athletes to improve strength, endurance and explosive power but should always be undertaken with expert advise in case body damage occurs, especially with younger paddlers.
Some exercises use the body's own weight to achieve resistance and are safer to use.
Abdominals will strengthen stomach muscles Each exercise should be repeated until fatigue with a few minutes in between each set. Improvement can be seen by the increasing number of repetitions achievable. Such resistance training needs to be repeated 2-3 times a week to achieve good improvements. Lie face down with your legs tucked under a heavy object. With your hands behind your neck, raise your chest and head off the floor for 3 secs and measure the distance from your chin to the floor.