Stand up paddleboarding is a fantastic low impact workout, but more importantly a fun fitness activity which all sizes, ages and body shapes can engage in.
It is a low impact exercise that is a combination of balance, strength and endurance working together whether you are paddling or just balancing on your board.
Paddleboarding targets more muscles than we think. Not only will be getting a complete core workout, but also the legs, back, shoulders and arms will be contributing to ensure you are getting a full body workout. All the muscles work together to give us power to paddle and balance on the board.
So, is it good for our Core? When paddling it may look like you are mainly using arms and legs, but the core is activating throughout. Every time you paddle you are using rotation which activates the core, plus the core is always engaged to help keep your balance. This will mean we are using our core constantly, almost like doing constant Russian twists.
Does paddleboarding burn calories? A question regularly asked and surprisingly although paddleboarding does not look an intense exercise you may be surprised to learn that you can burn between 300-400 calories during an hour’s leisurely paddle. If you go onto increase intensity with racing or sup surfing, you will increase those calories and could burn up to 1000+ calories in an hour.
As you advance your paddling, you can increase the intensity of your workouts by paddling faster, taking part with exercises on the board (PaddleFit), SUP Yoga or Sup Surfing. The Cardiovascular benefits will help to lower the chances of diseases such as heart disease, stroke and help towards giving you a healthy body.
A great bonus about paddleboarding is the fact it is low impact. It means you can exercise without pounding your joints which also makes it a low risk to injury. If you run or cycle this makes it a good exercise to use for cross-training or can be a good rehabilitation exercise.
As well has a physical workout Paddleboarding has many other benefits, it can help you mentally by restoring your balance and calming the mind. There is nothing like a calm paddle to make you feel relaxed and re-energised. So, if you need a change of pace from everyday life paddleboarding is an excellent option to get you in the fresh air surrounded by the elements.
So, without a doubt, paddleboarding is a good workout, it is an amazing workout you can do with your family and friends. All your muscles are put into use and your cardiovascular health is enhanced which makes you feel fitter and healthier. So when you can grab you board and enjoy the lovely rivers, lakes and seas we have knowing you are enjoying the health benefits of paddleboarding physically and mentally!