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Why Paddle Boarding Is a Great Workout

Why Paddle Boarding Is a Great Workout

Paddle boarding is commonly viewed as a fun watersport to do on vacation. It works great for both novices and experts alike, plus you get to enjoy the activity along a lake, river, or ocean.
In recent times, some athletes — particularly runners — consider paddle boarding workouts as part of their cross-training who usually swim, cycle, or aqua jog. This leaves us with one question in mind: “Is paddle boarding good exercise?”

After doing a lot of research, we’ve concluded that paddle boarding workout does offer their own set of unique health benefits. Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) has a low environmental impact and a good strength- and cardio-building activity. Also, you’ll be happy to know that it’s popular among older folks.

Let’s dive deeper into the top health benefits of paddle boarding workouts.

Top Paddle Boarding Exercise Benefits

If the question, “Is paddle boarding good exercise?” still lingers in your mind, we’re here to prove that it is indeed an excellent workout. SUP has become a popular watersport in recent years. It is a fairly low-intensity workout that doesn’t dismiss the fun and is well-received even by people age 55 and older. It is a balanced sport accessible for all ages.
Here are some common paddle boarding exercise benefits that you should know about:

1. It Burns Tons of Calories.

As per the SUP World Mag, paddle boarding at a casual pace for an hour can burn 305 to 430 calories, which is twice the number of calories burned by walking at a moderate pace for the same period. If you level up your one-hour paddle boarding workout to a SUP touring pace (or paddling at a moderate pace without stopping), you could burn 615 to 708 calories, similar to SUP surfing.

2. It Is Great for Your Core.

Paddle boarding workouts are a mild form of core exercise that keeps your core engaged by paddling from one side to another, promotes core muscle strength, and improves body coordination — both essential for balance building as you age. During stand-up paddle boarding workouts, your abdominal muscles constantly work to help you stay upright and maintain your balance. In addition, it potentially serves a great purpose as a great ab workout.

3. It Builds All-body Strength.

A paddle boarding workout requires the help of different body areas in maintaining your balance as you stand on the board. As you paddle through the water, your arms, back, shoulders, knees, quadriceps, and leg muscles work to stabilize your body, support the core, and propel you forward. Overall, paddle boarding exercises provide both aerobic and strength-based training, making it the perfect cross-trainer.

4. It Immerses You With Nature.

Being out in nature, stand-up paddle boarding exercises can offer a mental health boost. It is the best way to spend less screen time and immerse yourself in nature as you work on staying healthy. You get to gaze at incredible views and be “in the moment” with the calming rhythms of nature — away from dense, urban spaces.

The whole paddle boarding experience provides meditative and psychological effects that several studies point out. It is an excellent form of escapism to achieve a sense of calm and tranquility.

5. It Is Simple and Low-impact.

Whole-body workouts like paddle boarding boost strength and endurance without overstressing the body. You can simply use meditative strokes to explore both still and moving water. Like bike rides, paddle boarding exercises reduce the impact on your knees and increase your heart rate without coming in contact with the pavement. It’s a simple form of exercise that any person of body size, shape, or fitness level can enjoy.

6. It Offers the Perfect Cool Down.

The best workout would not be complete without a chill time — and stand-up paddle boarding exercises offer an effortless way to achieve the right cool down. After an hour or so of paddling through the waters, you can simply stretch, splash some water over yourself, or soak in the sun while you are on your paddle board. Keep in mind that water and wind conditions can vary during paddle boarding workouts, each session offering a unique experience to the paddler.

Experience the Benefits of Paddle Boarding Exercises

Now that you know the most common paddle boarding exercise benefits, it’s time to test the waters and embark on this fun, health-boosting opportunity.

Our 12-foot stand-up paddle boards at Island Marine Rentals offer you the best benefits of a good workout at an affordable price. Experience unique rental services and incredible destinations with our boat rental service in Madeira Beach, FL. For inquiries and reservations, contact us today.

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