You might already be thinking stand up paddle boarding looks like a lot of fun and a way to escape from day to day life. And you’d be right! However, that’s not the only benefit of doing this water sport that continues to grow in popularity. There are countless ways that stand up paddle boarding is good for your health and fitness, and we’re going to look at them in this article.
Hopefully, reading this will reassure you that SUP is a more than adequate alternative to going to the gym or taking the same running route each night. Let’s check out what’s so great about stand up paddle boarding!
SUP Is Great For Losing Weight
It’s undeniable that many people do exercise so as to lose weight. SUP is a great way to shed some unwanted extra pounds and combined with a healthy diet, you can notice results within weeks. SUP burns more calories than your average walk - about twice the amount that you’d burn strolling at 2.5mph. With your body saying bye bye to 300 - 450 calories per hour during a regular paddling session, that’s the equivalent of a balanced breakfast.
If that’s not enough for you, you could always use one of the alternative ways to use your SUP board. Yoga will see you burning 500 calories per session, while surf SUP can lose you somewhere between 700 and 1,000. However, you’ll have to be closer to a beach to do that! Last but not least is touring and SUP racing. While this is usually reserved for professionals, it burns over 1,000 calories an hour. Maybe that’s something to work towards!
SUP Is Good For Your Core
One of the most noticeable differences in your body after SUP will be your core. With constant strokes, your core and abdomen will be working to maintain your balance on the board. The result of that? You might just get a six-pack! In fact, SUP is often recommended to people who want to get abs of steel. Even if you don’t, this core workout is excellent for your balance and stability.
SUP Works All Your Muscles
It’s not just your core that’s working while you’re stand up paddle boarding. All of your muscles are called upon, from your shoulders to your toes. Your legs and knees will be working hard to keep you balanced and planted on the board, while your back will also be keeping you balanced and stable. Shoulders and arms will be required as propellers. You may feel a little achey after your first couple of times, but once you get used to it, you’ll feel great after a session on your SUP.
SUP Is Great Cardio
We’ve mentioned a lot of muscles up above, but there’s one that deserves a mention all to itself. The heart is the most important muscle in the body, and SUP helps to ward off disease and keep it healthy. SUP doesn’t just tone muscles, it’s a top cross training activity and speeds up blood circulation. Your body will thank you in the long run as good heart health means you are at a lower risk of having strokes, heart attacks or diabetes.
SUP Is Low Impact
One of the reasons that SUP is so good for your muscles is that it’s low impact. While you may feel a few aches and pains after your first sessions, you should start to notice that going away once you’re paddle boarding regularly. This is because it’s a low impact exercise. Despite being low impact, it’s still an incredible workout. And it’s similar to swimming as it can speed up the healing process. So, if you’re recovering for a muscle injury, SUP could be a great way to aid your recovery!
SUP Is Versatile
When you do the same thing over and over again it can get pretty repetitive. That’s why you can easily get disillusioned with going to the gym or running the same route every night. However, that needn’t be the case with stand up paddle boarding. Even if you only have one place nearby that you can do it, you don’t have to do the same workout each time. SUPs can also be used for yoga, fishing, and surfing. A regular change-up in how you use your paddle board should keep it fresh and fun!
SUP Is Good For Your Mental Health
There are undoubtedly loads of benefits for your physical health when you do stand up paddle boarding. However, there are few sports and outdoor physical activities that are better for your mental health too! Being surrounded by nature and water is one of the best ways to alleviate the stresses of daily life. With your mind relaxed, it frees up space to release serotonin and endorphins and make you just that little bit heavier. Do this regularly, and improving your mood won’t just be a temporary thing!