You lug a 60 +++ lbs boat to and from the waters edge, wrestle a spray
deck on. power through breaking surf, cover the earths surface at the
same rate as a jogger and can light it up and keep up with a runner .
Chasing.... Sorry following at a safe distance .. Whales, running
against 60 KM winds, racing to catch surf waves, powering through
passages as the water allows ( Rock hopping ) .
I paddle all year around. In winter I weigh 185 lbs with a 36 inch
waist , in summer I weigh 185 with a 34 inch waist.
Sea kayaking does change your shape, attitude and perspective on life
if you enjoy it.

As for observation. I don't do the touchy feely stuff, it is all
together too easy to start thinking when you are surrounded by wjhales;
a bald eagle takes a dump from a tree and misses the boat by 10 feet; a
seal pokes its head onto your partners deck scaring the hell out of her
after dark; plancton lights up the sea making galaxies of tiny stars
with every paddle stroke, ship wrecks loom up like a ghostly mirage,
shooting stars are more plentifull due to absence of urban light
contamination, the northern lights though faint here are more
marvellous from the cockpit on a flat calm night; ice bergs in their
glory calf and shed tones of frozen history 10 milenium in the making.
sea creatures huge and unnamed pass under your tiny boat.
With this going on there is not much time to think as the water remains
about 2 degrees C or less .

If you want to build muscles, Find something you love to do and work it
to death. I can't lift weights, run on a tread mill or swim laps.
Attention deficit apparently .
Kayaking is great and cross country skiing was a hoot untill I had some
leg related health problems. Cycling is another sport I excelled at.
Now sea kayaking with a little ww thrown in.
Enjoy the greatest sport in the world.
Alex