Some of the best parts of summer are heading to the beach, hitting the surf, catching some rays, and enjoying the sounds of the waves. While those are awesome enough in themselves, why not make the most of your summer vacay by trying something totally new? Like Paddleboard Yoga for example! Here’s Why You Gotta Try it!
Stand-up paddleboard yoga (or just SUP yoga) is the latest craze that everyone is trying out. It’s part yoga, part surfing, and all fun! Even if you’ve never tried yoga or stand-up paddleboarding, it’s a great way to get fit and enjoy experiencing the ocean at the same time. If you’re not near an ocean, there are plenty of places around the country that offer SUP yoga classes in pools, lakes, and rivers.
Paddleboard yoga is an offshoot of stand-up paddleboarding (which started in Hawaii in the 1940s) and the ancient Indian art of yoga (mostly vinyasa style, or “flowing yoga”). Using standard 10-12 foot boards, adventurous yogis can perfect their asanas (“poses”) and challenge their balance while increasing their strength and flexibility.
Yoga is already as tough as you want to make it, but SUP yoga forces you to face your fear of falling, because it’s almost a guarantee! Plus, the worst thing is you get a little wet. Doesn’t that sound better than attempting crow pose with a hard surface below?
Stand-up paddleboard yoga also ends up being more physically challenging than “dry” yoga. Every movement of your body is linked to the movement of your board, so you might end up taking a wider stance than your normally would so you can adjust your sea legs. Plus, you’ll end up using more of your core muscles to perfect your poses as well as just stay upright!
Besides the physical benefits of SUP yoga, it’s the perfect opportunity to get a whole new point of view — and isn’t that what the practice is all about anyway? It’s easy to get comfortable going to your neighborhood yoga studio a few times a week, but why not take the opportunity to get outside, catch some sun, and try your practice atop the beautiful blue ocean? Paddleboard yoga is fun, challenging, and beautiful. You’ll be too busy having a good time to even notice you’re exercising (and isn’t that the best type of exercise?) Give SUP yoga a try today and see what everyone’s talking about!
Check out our Top 8 Summer Body Exercises for more summertime fitness inspiration!
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