Looking for a way to enjoy your weekend and get some exercise in? Done and done. Summer’s just around the corner and standup paddleboarding (SUP) can be your go-to activity for the season.
We’re sure you’ve seen pictures of your friends (and their puppies) on paddleboards, and you’ve probably wondered if it’s actually as easy as it looks. The answer to that question is yes, and having good balance isn’t necessarily required.
The first step to master the art of this water sport is to put on your bathing suit and head to the closest lake. You have the option to start on your knees, especially if you have never attempted this activity before.
It’s completely normal to feel a little shaky at first, but you’ll surprise yourself with your confidence to stand up once you’ve moved deeper into the water. After all, a little splash of cool water won’t hurt you and your safety gear will protect you from drowning.
How Is SUP Beneficial?
There is more than meets the eye with stand up paddleboarding. Not only does it make you more social, it can also boost your health and improve your balance.
1. Strengthens Core
SUP requires a lot of core strength to navigate through the water. You use your paddle each time you need to move forward, backward, left, and right. Each time you do this, you are using a lot of strength to make these little movements.
2. Improves Balance
Once you move from your knees to your feet, you are essentially standing on a long board on the open water with nothing to hold on to except the paddle that you use to move.
While you use your core and your leg strength, you are using your balancing skills to navigate the water and remain upright while doing so. The more you practice, the better your balance will become over time.
This is extremely beneficial, especially when you are older because you would have improved your balance to avoid slips and falls that could hurt your body.
3. Reduces Stress
Imagine being on the calming water with beautiful homes or nature around you. You have nothing else to worry about except enjoying yourself. Water is known to calm and relax the body, and as you float through the water, you will notice your feelings of stress start to disappear.
Living in constant stress has a negative impact on your health. Managing stress can help your mind and body relax. It can promote regular sleep patterns that are necessary to repairing and rejuvenating the cells in the body that maintain regular functions.
4. Promotes Cardiovascular Health
SUP is an exercise similar to running or cross-training, which means that it increases your heart rate. As you paddle your way through the water, you are building a stronger heart that will protect you from heart attacks and strokes in the future.
Not only are you working on your cardiovascular health, but you are also increasing your overall fitness, which further promotes a healthy and happy heart.
5. Improves Overall Fitness
Engaging in SUP requires you to work your arms, core, legs, and shoulder muscles. Whether you choose to paddleboard on the lake or on the ocean, you are battling ripples and waves that completely tone your physique and keep you in shape.
As with any other exercise, remember to drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Make sure to always wear your safety gear to avoid dangerous accidents and injuries.
The content of this Website is for is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References:
Health Fitness Revolution. (2017, October 26). Top 10 Health Benefits of Standup Paddleboarding. Retrieved from http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-standup-paddleboarding/
A. (2017, August 29). 5 Great Benefits of what SUP boarding does for Your Health. Retrieved from http://sup-board.org/5-great-benefits-sup-health/
The benefits of stand-up paddleboarding. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/fitness/the-benefits-of-stand-up-paddleboarding/view-all/
6 Health Benefits of Stand Up Paddle Boarding. (2017, February 10). Retrieved from https://www.naturalnewsblogs.com/6-health-benefits-stand-paddle-boarding/
