Standup Paddle Boarding is everywhere now. More and more people are getting out on boards and going for paddles. Yoga has even adapted SUPing very quickly. But what are all the health and fitness benefits of paddle boarding? Lets take a look at the benefits SUPing can have on our health and fitness.
Core Benefits: Paddle boarding will provide you with a great core workout. A large part of SUP is balance. Almost every muscle in the body is used at some point while paddling. Your leg muscles and core will be hard at work attempting to maintain your balance. In addition, paddling utilizes the arms, back, and shoulders to propel the paddleboard in the water.
Low Impact: A relatively unknown benefit that SUP provides is that it is a very low impact exercise. There is much less of a chance that you will do damage to the tendons and ligaments of your joints in comparison to other sports. If you lift weights in the gym or you engage in high impact sports, you are more likely to be injured than if you go out on a paddle board. SUP is particularly useful for runners that are experiencing shin splints or knee and hip pain.
Fitness Benefits: There are numerous health benefits from paddle boarding and little to no real negative effects from the activity. The cardiovascular benefits are truly amazing. By SUPing you will be able to substantially improve your level of cardio fitness leading to decreased incidences of heart attacks and strokes. Because SUP is such an intense workout that burns lots of calories it can help with weight loss. Paddle boarding is also a great way to relieve stress and get focused.
Yoga Benefits: Stand Up Paddleboards aren’t as stable as a solid surface. So in executing yoga moves you have to engage your core more to keep stable, in addition to the already difficult challenges & flexibility required by the sport of Yoga. SUP yoga also helps you refine your techniques in maintaining balance for when you’re doing yoga on solid ground. If you are doing something wrong and putting too much weight on one side of your body the board will let you know!
Muscles used while SUPing:
- Latissimus Dorsi. (Back)
- Deltoids. (Arms)
- Triceps Brachii. (Arms)
- Pectorals. (Chest)
- Biceps Brachii. (Arms)
- Rotator Cuff. (Shoulders)
- External and Internal Oblique Muscles. (Abdomen)
- Just about every other muscle in your body.
Standup Paddle Boarding is a great way to stay in shape, or cross train for other activities you do. SUPing also is a great way to stay healthy and work out your body in a less impactful environment. Getting out on a SUP a few times a month next summer could help you become a healthier and more fit person. See you on the water!