Posted by Bixpy on Jul 22nd 2023
10 Amazing Health Benefits of Paddleboarding That You Never Knew
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, you’ll find that paddleboarding has many benefits. Learn more and shop Bixpy motors to enhance your SUP adventures.
Standup paddleboarding (SUP) is a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. From improved cardiovascular health to better balance, there are many amazing health benefits of paddleboarding that you may not have known. Here are just a few of the many amazing things you can gain from getting out on the water on your own SUP:
1) Learn A New Skill
Learning how to paddleboard involves mastering the art of balance and coordination. It may take some time to find your footing and get the hang of paddling, but the sense of accomplishment when you finally stand up and start gliding through the water is unmatched. Whether you choose to paddleboard alone or join a group class, learning this new skill also opens the door to new social connections and a sense of community.
2) Physical Fitness
As you paddle through the water, your arms, shoulders, and back muscles are constantly engaged, helping to tone and strengthen these areas. Additionally, the leg muscles, particularly the quads and glutes, are activated as you balance and stabilize on the board. Remember when paddling out, that you also have to paddle back! Sometimes first-time paddlers can over exert themselves a bit, which is why we encourage you to add a K-1 motor to your SUP. That way you never have to worry about whether or not you will have the energy to make it back to shore.
3) Improved Cardiovascular Health
Paddleboarding requires you to use your entire body, including your arms, legs, and core, to propel yourself through the water. This physical exertion gets your heart pumping and increases blood circulation, which helps improve cardiovascular health. Regular paddleboarding sessions can help strengthen your heart muscle, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
4) Increased Core Strength
When you paddleboard, you engage your core muscles to maintain balance and stability on the board. This constant engagement of the core muscles helps to strengthen them over time. Having a strong core can also prevent back pain and improve your balance. It can enhance your athletic performance in other activities such as running, cycling, and yoga. Furthermore, a strong core can help protect against injuries and improve your overall quality of life. By paddleboarding regularly, you can gradually increase your core strength, leading to improved posture, stability, and overall physical well-being.
5) Enhanced Balance and Stability
As you become more comfortable and skilled on the board, your body learns how to adjust and maintain balance even in challenging conditions, such as rough waters or strong winds. The improved balance and stability can help prevent falls and injuries in everyday activities, improve your performance in other sports or physical activities, and even enhance your posture and overall body alignment. Moreover, the constant balancing and adjustment on the board also engages and strengthens smaller muscles that are often neglected in traditional workouts. This helps to improve overall muscle coordination and control.
6) Weight Loss and Calorie Burn
According to the American Council on Exercise, paddleboarding can burn between 305 to 430 calories per hour, depending on your weight and the intensity of your paddleboarding session.
Additionally, paddleboarding also helps build lean muscle mass, which is essential for increasing your metabolism. As you paddle, you use your muscles to stabilize yourself on the board and propel yourself forward. This constant muscle engagement not only strengthens your muscles but also increases your resting metabolic rate, allowing you to burn more calories even at rest.
7) Mental Health Benefits
Paddleboarding allows for a break from the constant noise and distractions of modern life. It offers a chance to be present in the moment and focus solely on the rhythm of paddling and the calming sound of the water. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. Research has shown that spending time in nature can have a positive impact on mental health, reducing symptoms of depression and improving overall well-being.
8) Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Paddleboarding is a physical activity that releases endorphins, the body's natural mood boosters. The combination of the physical exertion and the calming effects of the water creates a powerful antidote to stress and anxiety. Whether you choose to paddleboard alone or with friends, the social aspect of this activity also plays a significant role in reducing stress.
9) Connecting with Nature and Improving Overall Well-being
Paddleboarding allows you to explore natural landscapes from a unique perspective. You can paddle through serene lakes, navigate winding rivers, or even venture out into the ocean. This sense of adventure and exploration can be invigorating and help you appreciate the beauty of the world around you. Furthermore, paddleboarding can also improve your overall well-being by promoting mindfulness. When you're on the water, you're forced to focus on the present moment and be fully aware of your surroundings. This practice can help reduce racing thoughts and bring a sense of clarity and tranquility to your mind.
10) Social and community benefits of paddleboarding
Paddleboarding can be enjoyed individually, but it is also commonly done in groups or with a partner. Joining a paddleboarding community or participating in group sessions can foster a sense of camaraderie and belonging. It allows you to meet like-minded individuals and develop new friendships. The shared experience of gliding through the water on a paddleboard creates a unique bond and provides an excellent opportunity for socializing and networking.
Enjoy these and many other benefits with a paddleboard, and don’t forget to add a K-1 motor to it so you never have to worry about running out of energy for your next water adventure.