If you enjoy yoga, why not try some paddleboard yoga on your SUP? This exercise trend has really taken off for those yoga practitioners that also enjoy getting out on the water on their stand up paddleboard. The balancing act required to stay on your board makes your yoga session much more physically beneficial. Of course, there is the added benefit of exercising in the great outdoors on your favorite body of water, where you enjoy a peaceful, calming effect.
If you have never practiced yoga before, sign up for an indoor yoga SUP class. They are becoming more and more popular all the time. Most major cities have at least one gym, health club or personal trainer that offers these classes. This allows you to get familiar with your board as a yoga platform, and to learn the ancient art at the same time.
Once you are comfortable with the idea of performing a yoga while “walking on water”, try this simple paddleboard yoga beginner’s workout.
First, get out where the water is deep enough so that you don’t hit bottom if you fall off your board. When you have calmed your mind and breathing, sitting on your board, strike the Hero’s Pose. Place your right hand on your left knee, with your left hand behind you on your board. Twist to the right, looking over your right shoulder. Exhale, inhale, return to a front facing position and repeat to the other side.
Move from this pose to Downward Facing Dog. Hold, breathe, and stretch. Walk your feet up your board while keeping your hands and place, moving from Downward Facing Dog to a seated position. Reach your hands in front of you, stretching in a forward bend. Exhale, inhale, and then swing your legs around until you are on your stomach.
Place your hands on either side of your chest, and slowly press up into the Cobra pose. You can move easily from here to Upward Facing Dog, returning to Downward Facing Dog immediately thereafter.
This is just one sample paddleboard yoga sequence you can perform. Start off with this basic routine, working in more of your favorite poses and movements as you become more comfortable. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to enjoy SUP yoga. Get a friend involved, or see if there are any paddleboard yoga classes given on the water if you want a more social experience.
Yoga provides the most benefits when you are relaxed, and working out on the water with a calm, sea-salt breeze helps relax you better than performing yoga indoors. Since you have to constantly focus on your balance, your entire core gets a better workout, and you may find your overall yoga technique improving.
