It is no secret that physical activity is a crucial element to any successful health regimen. While joining a gym or watching fitness DVD’s at home might not be your thing, there are a variety of outdoor activities, such as SUP, that are proven to increase stamina and endurance. The myriad of benefits from a good workout can lead to better overall health and wellbeing, and that is just one of the many reasons why you should be adding Stand Up Paddle Boarding to your everyday health regimen.
- Tone Muscle and Lose Unwanted Pounds
Burning calories and shedding those unwanted extra pounds has never been easier and more entertaining. For Stand Up Paddle boarders, getting in a good workout is both as exhilarating and enjoyable as it is energizing. You’d be surprised at how effortless it feels to exercise atop a floating paddle board, where you’ll be engaging all of your core muscle groups from head to toe. You’ll feel more powerful after a few sessions of pushing yourself across the water, balancing atop a board and working your legs to catch a good wave. SUP offers boarders an incredible chance to tone muscles and lose body fat all while participating in an exciting water activity.
- Improve your Cardiovascular Health One Stroke at a Time
Much like other cardio workouts, paddle boarding is a great way to get your heart pumping and your muscles working. Over time, SUP has been proven to increase cardiovascular health due to the intense overall workout associated with the sport. Paddle boarding is literally like fighting off heart disease one stroke at a time.
- Relieve Stress in an Entertaining Way
Stress is a leading factor in the onset of many illnesses so it is vitally important to decrease our levels of stress as much as possible. SUP is a great way to relieve undesirable stress because it allows boarders a physical release for built up tension. In addition, paddle boarding is considered a stress free zone because of the serene beauty and natural environment surrounding the sport. When you’re paddling out over the ocean waves, gliding across the surface of an inland lake or simply heading up stream for a relaxing day on the water, you’ll be impressed at how quickly your problems get washed away.
- Competitive or Not, it’s a Social Affair
Whether engaging in a competitive race with a friend or simply heading out for a leisurely cruise with family and loved ones, stand up paddle boarding can be a great way to get some social therapy. Humans have a great need to connect on a social level and paddle boarding creates the perfect opportunity for just that. Not only will you feel a stronger bond with your loved ones, but you’ll be soothing your mind, body and soul.
- You’ll Develop a Greater Sense of Consciousness
As you fight the urge to topple into the water, you’ll be more aware of the connection between all the working parts of your body. SUP requires balance, and this balance only gets better with practice. As you pay attention to every movement of your body, you’ll develop a greater sense of consciousness. This benefit of SUP is no more apparent than in the practice of SUP Yoga, where boarders combine the sport of paddle boarding with the discipline and techniques of yoga.
