Mark at SUP-FIT loves seeing the reaction that people have when they come along to his lessons and discover SUP or if they have already tried it, how to improve their paddling.
Connection with our natural environment:
SUPers will tell you that being out on the water is calming, and engaging with nature can have a positive effect on your mental health and attitude. You can do a cardio workout, just paddle along chatting to your friends, have some quiet “me” time or combine all of these. The word SUPers use to describe SUP is “addictive.”
Improves balance: Standup paddleboarding requires you to stand upright on the board, which requires a lot of core stability and leg strength to maintain balance. This not only helps you have a good balance while paddle boarding but increases your focus and balance in day-to-day activities, as well.
Low impact: Standup paddling is a very low impact exercise and strengthens muscles, tendons and ligaments through the smooth whole body paddling action.
Full body workout: Almost every muscle in the body is used at some point during paddleboarding. Leg muscles stabilise your centre of gravity, while the abs, arms, back and shoulders are used to move you forward. Your core, gets a great workout as you maintain your balance.
Reduces stress: Being out on the water naturally soothes mind and body and exercise helps to reduce stress. Good hormones such as serotonin, endorphins and dopamine are all produced naturally when you are enjoying your exercise. The sounds as you glide through the water, the sensation of “walking on water,” the rhythm of your stroke all contribute to your sense of wellbeing while and after you paddle.
Overall increased strength: One of the benefits I have experienced is that I have improved my overall (whole-body) strength and muscle definition.
Improves endurance: Once you learn how to standup paddleboard, you begin to master it with increasing endurance of the constant paddling. Once you notice that your balance is improving and your muscles aren’t getting quite as tired, then you know your endurance is increasing. Good SUP technique becomes a very natural, smooth and enjoyable exercise.
Cardio workout and Better cardiovascular health: If you spend enough time out on the water paddle boarding, you can get a good cardio workout. You can make your paddling as physically challenging as you choose; get your heart rate up or use the paddle as a way to wind down after work. Combine all the benefits of stand up paddleboarding and you’ll have improved cardiovascular health and less risk for related diseases.
Useful in rehabilitation injuries: Because of its low impact nature, paddle boarding can be a useful tool for people in rehab to gently increase strength without doing any harm. It is very gentle on your muscles and joints, because it can be done at low intensity and still be enjoyable.
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