What is the point of paddle boarding?

Are you looking for a fun and exciting activity to improve your fitness while connecting with nature? Then paddle boarding is for you.

A booming water activity, paddle boarding has its origins in the Pacific islands. It is also the water sport to be practiced in summer by the sea or on the lakes. But what’s the point of paddle boarding? Why is there so much interest in this activity? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, discover in this article all the physical and mental benefits that paddle boarding can offer.

The physical benefits of paddle boarding

A complete sport par excellence, paddle boarding on a regular basis allows you to maintain your physical fitness by soliciting several parts of your body while improving your health and balance.

Cardiovascular training

Paddle boarding is an effective cardiovascular exercise to work on physical fitness. The paddling movements are continuous and use the heart and lungs to provide the necessary oxygen to the working muscles. Regular practice of this snow sport can help improve blood circulation, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. If you can’t run anymore because of the joints, paddle boarding can become a good alternative.

Improved balance and coordination

Maintaining balance on an unstable board while rowing is the very concept of paddle boarding. This requirement requires the body to use the deep core muscles to stabilize the body and maintain position. This regular solicitation improves balance and coordination, but also proprioception, i.e. the ability to feel and control the body’s movements.

Arm and trunk muscle development

Paddle boarding involves many muscle groups. The muscles of the arms, shoulders and back are particularly stressed when rowing. Nevertheless, those in the lower back and abdominals are also used to maintain a stable posture on the board. The leg muscles work and help maintain balance on the board.

All of these repetitive movements strengthen and tone the muscles, which can help improve posture and reduce back and shoulder pain.

Calorie Burning

Paddle boarding is also a great way to burn calories and promote healthy weight loss. Indeed, paddling requires a significant energy expenditure, especially if you paddle at a steady pace. The more you paddle, the more your muscles are used and the more your energy consumption increases.

According to Supconnect, a person can burn around 300 to 1000 calories per hour during a paddle session. This number varies depending on several factors, including the type of paddle surfing, weight, muscle mass, intensity of the session, and weather conditions. For example, a warm, sunny day can increase your metabolism and calorie burn.

Other hybrid disciplines such as SUP Yoga or SUP Fitness also offer a great opportunity to prepare physically all year round.

The Mental Benefits of Paddle Boarding

In addition to the physical benefits of SUP, it can also help improve your mental health. Breathing in the fresh air, enjoying a moment of relaxation or discovering new landscapes are all ways to feel a sense of freedom and well-being.

Relaxation and relaxation

The smooth, smooth movement of the board on the water, the soothing sound of chop, as well as the feeling of cool water around the body all help to create a peaceful and relaxing ambience. This atmosphere can help reduce stress and anxiety, as well as improve sleep quality.

Contact with nature

Practicing in the sea, lake or river offers a golden opportunity to discover magnificent natural landscapes, observe the local fauna and flora, and breathe the pure air of nature. This connection helps improve mood and overall mental health.

Opportunity to disconnect from the modern world

Paddle boarding requires increased concentration on the movement of the board, on paddling and the coordination of movements. This allows you to focus on the present moment, eliminating mental distractions, such as stressful or anxious thoughts. In nature, far from the noise of the city, it is the perfect opportunity to cut yourself off from everyday life and immerse yourself in an idyllic natural setting, while having fun.

In short, SUP is a sport that combines fun and physical well-being. It’s a more fun alternative to walking and more challenging than indoor fitness sessions. By paddling, you can fully enjoy the natural elements such as the fresh air, the calm of the river and the blue of the sea, while having fun with your friends, alone or with your family. This will strengthen both your physical and mental well-being, without feeling the effort you are making.