A Paddle a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
As the popular saying goes, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But what if we told you that a paddle a day could do the same? That’s right - stand up paddle boarding (SUP) can help keep you healthy, both mentally and physically. How would you like a cocktail of relaxing fun, adventure, adrenaline rush, and a great full-body workout? We're pretty sure most of you would not be able to refuse such an enthralling mixture but would surely be left bewildered with just one question in mind, “Where would I find such a wonderful combination?”. Out in the ocean! With some of your friends and some inflatable boards - stand-up paddle boarding is what we’re talking about. With its increase in popularity, not many would know of the immense health benefits it bequeaths - both mental as well as physical. So - let’s explore these amazing effects in can have on your wellbeing!
Physical Benefits
Paddle boarding can be great for your physical health as well. It is a full body workout that can help to strengthen and tone your core, arms, and legs. It can also help to improve your balance and coordination. Plus, it can be a great way to get your heart rate up and to get a good cardio workout. Benefits including:
Improve your core strength and balance
We may not realise it in our everyday lives but possessing a sound body balance is crucial to our general well-being. Stand-up paddle boarding involves stabilising your body and standing up straight on the board while it floats on water. To remain atop the board amid the rocking tides, you turn and bend your body, and in the process, your core and arms, legs, back & shoulder muscles build up. All this helps you achieve a great body balance once you start paddle boarding regularly.
Shed Those Extra Pounds
If you happen to be overweight, or even if you aren’t, shedding the extra pounds you’ve put on lately would never come across as an unwelcome thing. That’s exactly what paddleboarding does for you. If you are among those who do not like to hit the gym because of the monotony involved, paddleboarding can be one of the most fun ways to burn extra calories and lose weight.
Improves Cardiovascular Health & Stamina
For those with heart conditions or sporting injuries, paddleboarding is a low-impact exercise that helps boost one’s cardiovascular health and offers a fantastic alternative to those who are injury prone or in need of physical therapy
Vitamin D
Sometimes, people are deficient in Vitamin D from too much time indoors. Paddlebo arding is a great way to get outside and receive exposure to natural sunlight. This activity has been shown to help increase levels of vitamin D, which helps with calcium production, mineral absorption, healthy bones, mental clarity, and more.
Mental Benefits
If the physical benefits don’t seem to be worth giving paddle boarding a try, here are the mental benefits of this sport. When it comes to mental health, paddle boarding can be an incredibly beneficial activity. A study conducted by the University of Exeter showed that paddling can reduce stress and improve a person’s overall mood. Paddle boarding can also be a great way to give yourself a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Spending time out on the water can be incredibly peaceful and can be a great way to give your mind a break from the stresses of life.
Relieve Stress
With the kind of hectic & workaholic lives we all have been leading nowadays, stress is bound to creep in, and that's totally okay to feel that. Proximity to nature has always been known to let go of all accumulated stress. That’s how paddleboarding out in the ocean works wonders for relaxing your mind. According to many paddlers, the powerful combination of being outdoors in nature and socialising with fellow paddlers has a stress-relieving effect. With loads report experiencing a sense of well-being after going for a paddle, similar to that felt by runners during their "runner's high."
Mental Clarity
Regular engagement in the sport of paddle boarding does not just lower your stress levels but also clears your mind without strain. Over time, you gain immense mental clarity. Studies have shown that spending time near bodies of water can alleviate symptoms related to anxiety and depression, in addition to the health benefits conferred by exercise. This makes it an excellent choice for people who suffer from either condition.
Hopefully, this blog was able to give you some of the many physical and mental benefits to paddleboarding!
