Stand Up Paddle Boarding – What is it Good For? Absolutely Everything!
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Stand Up Paddle Boarding (or SUP Boarding for short) is taking the world by storm. This sport has been around for a few years in its modern form but it is taking off like crazy now and becoming popular everywhere.
Part of the reason for the popularity of this sport is that this is something that is accessible to nearly everyone. If you can stand up and have reasonably good balance and a minimum of arm strength, you can do this sport…as long as you do not mind getting wet once in awhile. And even that never really needs to happen. With the right board you do not even have to get your feet wet, but of course falling in is always a possibility. This is a great sport for people of all ages and athletic abilities and great for families to do together.
Another reason for SUP’s popularity is that you can do this anywhere there is water. Stand up paddling grew popular in Hawaii and was mainly developed by surfers. But it has since come mainland onto all continents and is being done not only on oceans and bays but on rivers and lakes as well. Stand up paddling can be done on flat water, rough water, across boat wakes and in river currents. And windy days just give you a little more exercise.
Speaking of exercise. SUP burns more calories than many other activities. It does not look like it would. It looks calm and relaxing. And it is. The numbers I keep seeing everywhere are 500 – 700 calories/hour for women and 800 – 1000 calories/hour for men. But the fact is that your whole body is working. Your legs and gluteal muscles are holding you up and holding you balanced on your board against the resistance of paddling. Your arms are paddling and all your trunk and back muscles are working to help paddle and also to hold you upright and balanced against the resistance of the paddling. The harder you paddle, the more resistance. You can work as hard or go as easy as you want, unless a strong wind is blowing and you are trying to get somewhere.
Stand up paddling is also good for your brain. It engages your brain and at the same time relaxes your mind. It is calming and soothing and helps you get closer to nature. The moment I stand up on my board I feel an instant sense of calm and relaxation take over. Movements on the board are generally somewhat slow, so your body and mind can slow down and be at ease, even while you are getting a monster workout.
Give it a try. I would not be surprised if you get hooked too.
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