Top Eight Benefits of Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Tired of the same routines at your local gym? Want to try a new fun outdoor activity? Why don’t you try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding? It is an exciting way to hang out with your friends and family or go on a solo trip to the ocean. Plus, it offers an array of incredible benefits for your body, mind, and soul. After all, it gets you on your feet and out in nature.
Need more convincing? We have listed the top eight benefits of stand-up paddleboarding.
Exercises your whole body
If you’re looking for an ultra-effective & fun outdoor activity while simultaneously targeting multiple muscle groups, stand-up paddleboarding or SUP is the answer. It takes your entire body to paddle. You will feel it in your arms, shoulders, chest, and thighs. Your core will also be put to the test, as you need to maintain your balance as the waves come. As you paddle more, you will eventually build your strength and endurance.
Improves your balance
While your first time out might be a little rocky, your balance will quickly improve as you get better at controlling your board over different water conditions. Don’t fret, as SUP lessons are available to help you nail the basics and learn the techniques to stabilize your body while on the paddle. With an enhanced balance from SUP, your agility and reaction time in other workouts or activities in your daily life will likely improve as well.
Boosts core strength
As you learn to balance properly on a stand-up paddleboard, you’re strengthening your core muscles without knowing it. And that’s an incredible benefit, especially if you’re doing other workouts or playing other sports. A strong core can translate to a better posture and less back pain. Plus, it will help protect your spine from injury during strenuous workouts.
Improves cardiovascular health
A good cardio activity, paddleboarding has the same effect as cross-training and running. It can help lower your risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular diseases. And since it’s exciting to go out on the sea, you will likely do it consistently. It’s no secret that an active lifestyle can keep your cardiovascular health in check and shield you from serious illnesses.
Has a low impact on the body
Unlike running and cross-training, stand-up paddleboarding is a low-impact workout. It can’t do serious damage to your tendons and ligaments, so it’s perfect for those with back or hip pain issues. It can also be an ideal recovery workout for athletes and gymgoers trying to bounce back from a knee or shin splint injury. To put it simply, SUP is a great workout that helps you boost strength or recover from injuries without causing too much pressure on your body.
Helps you get some sun and Vitamin D
Spending too much time indoors? It’s time to paddle and get some sun! Moderate sun exposure can boost your body’s natural production of vitamin D, which is beneficial for strengthening your bones and improving your mood. But be sure not to overdo it. And always wear proper clothing to cover vulnerable areas and apply sunscreen with a high SPF.
Gets you on a digital detox
If you need to unplug and unwind, go paddle. It’s a relaxing way to get away from all the screens and simply take in the sights and sounds of nature. Sometimes, being out in nature is all you need to recharge and be ready to face the city’s hustle and bustle again. So whenever you feel overwhelmed by your work and social media, go to the ocean and paddle.
Allows you to meditate
Paddleboarding is a challenging activity. As you take your stand-up paddleboarding classes and learn to balance on the board, you can experience heightened awareness. That state of mind can be ideal for Zen meditation. You can be in a meditative state without you knowing it! And as you become more mindful of every move you make while on the board, you learn to improve your focus, mood, memory, and overall cognitive function.
