LE MAGAZINEWhat’s in it for me?
What’s in it for me?
Are you looking for a fun and exciting way to improve your fitness while connecting with nature? Then paddleboarding is for you.
A booming nautical activity, paddleboarding originated in the Pacific islands. It’s also the water sport of choice in summer, by the sea or on lakes. But why paddle? Why is it so popular? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, discover all the physical and mental benefits of paddling in this article.
The physical benefits of paddling
An all-round sport par excellence, regular paddleboarding allows you to maintain your physical fitness by exercising several parts of your body, while improving your health and balance.
Cardiovascular training
Paddling is an effective cardiovascular exercise for fitness. The paddling movements are continuous, stimulating the heart and lungs to supply oxygen to the working muscles. Regular practice of this gliding sport can help improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. If you can no longer run because of your joints, paddleboarding may be a good alternative.
Improved balance and coordination
Maintaining balance on an unstable board while rowing is the very concept of paddling. This requirement forces the body to use the deep trunk muscles to stabilize the body and maintain position. Regular use of these muscles improves balance and coordination, as well as proprioception– the ability to feel and control body movements.
Development of arm and trunk muscles
Paddleboarding involves many different muscle groups. The muscles of the arms, shoulders and back are particularly hard at work when you’re paddling. However, the lower back and abdominal muscles are also called upon to maintain a stable posture on the board. The leg muscles work to maintain balance on the board.
All these repetitive movements strengthen and tone the muscles, which can help improve posture and reduce back and shoulder pain.
Burning calories
Paddleboarding is also an excellent way to burn calories and promote healthy weight loss. In fact, paddling requires a significant expenditure of energy, especially if you paddle at a steady pace. The more you paddle, the harder your muscles work and the more energy you consume.
According to Supconnect, a person can burn between 300 and 1000 calories per hour during a paddling session. This number varies according to a number of factors, including the type of paddling performed, weight, muscle mass, intensity of the session and weather conditions. For example, a hot, sunny day can increase your metabolism and your caloric expenditure.
Other hybrid disciplines such as SUP Yoga or SUP Fitness also offer an excellent opportunity for year-round physical preparation.
The mental benefits of paddling
In addition to the physical benefits of SUP, this sport can also help improve your mental health. Breathing fresh air, enjoying a moment of relaxation or discovering new landscapes are all ways of feeling a sense of freedom and well-being.
Relaxation
The smooth, steady motion of the board on the water, the soothing sound of the lapping, and the feel of the cool water around your body all contribute to creating a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. This atmosphere can help reduce stress and anxiety, and improve sleep quality.
Contact with nature
Practicing on the sea, lake or river offers a golden opportunity to discover magnificent natural landscapes, observe local flora and fauna, and breathe in nature’s pure air. This connection improves mood and overall mental health.
Opportunity to disconnect from the modern world
Paddleboarding requires increased concentration on board movement, paddling and movement coordination. 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’s the perfect opportunity to cut yourself off from everyday life and immerse yourself in an idyllic natural setting, all the while having fun.
In short SUP is a sport that combines fun and physical well-being. It’s more fun than walking and more stimulating than gym sessions. By paddling, you can take full advantage of natural elements such as fresh air, the calm of the river and the blue of the sea, while having fun with friends, solo or as a family. It’s a great way to enhance both your physical and mental well-being, without feeling the effort you’re making.