Paddleboarding is an excellent way to build your core muscles and increase your overall strength. Your entire body gets a workout as you balance on the board, rowing out onto the waves, and it’s just plain fun.
Core Muscles
Your core gets a workout as your body works to hold your balance on the board. The abdominal muscles work together with the muscles in your upper body to keep you upright on the board. Relax your back, bend your knees slightly, and roll with the board. The worst thing that can happen is you’ll fall off- and get wet. So relax, and enjoy the ride. If you fall, you have a soft landing and just get on and try again. Paddleboarding is a forgiving sport, perfect for even beginners.
Legs and Back
Your legs play a part in your balance as well. Helping to stabilize your center of gravity takes work, and the harder you paddle, the more of a workout you’re going to get. Remember to pay attention to your balance, and paddle using your upper arms and shoulders, putting the strength into your arms rather than your back.
Shoulders and Arms
Most of your movement should be in your upper body as you paddle through the waves. Lean into the paddle but not so far that you tumble forward off the board. Push the paddle through the water with your arms and shoulders, moving forward using the strength in your arms. The harder you paddle, the stronger of a workout you’ll get. Paddle against the waves for the greatest challenges.
Cardiovascular Workout
Gently paddling about in the shallows won’t get your heart rate going very high, but even a mild workout should elevate your heart rate somewhat. The harder you work at paddling, the higher your heart rate will go, so be aware of how hard you’re working when you’re paddling in the heat of the day. Enjoy your workout and your day on the waves with a paddleboarding trip in Isle of Palms.
