By now we’ve all seen what we thought was someone walking on water but after the initial head scratch and a closer look we’ve realized that it’s someone SUPing (stand up paddle boarding).
Stand paddle boarding is a isometric workout which targets the core while using your back and arms to paddle and legs to stabilize yourself. It’s a great way to combined fitness and the great outdoors even for those who are balanced challenged.
Leave it to those water loving yogi’s to take their practice to the board. SUP yoga combines all the benefits of yoga and paddle boarding. It helps with stability and flexibility while engaging your whole core. Taking your yoga practice to the board increase awareness off weight transfer and takes your Virabhadrasanas to a whole new level. SUP Yoga can amplify your practice because the paddle board response to your movement. You’ll engage muscles you don’t typically engage on the mat.
After an eye opening practice, it’s time for the most relaxing savasana you’ll ever experience! Laying flat on your board, allowing your feet to fall apart, palms facing up towards the sky and closing your eyes, you being to relax the physical body.
As your body starts to absorb your asana practice your mind beings to absorb the surroundings. You take in the sounds of nature, the feeling of the sun on your skin, and the smell of the outdoors, it’s truly the best meditation environment a yogi could practice in.
I fell in love with SUP about 4 years ago when I was looking for a low impact cardio workout because of back issues. I’ve recently took my practice to the board and am now guiding other in their SUP yoga practice. Find out more about SUP lessons to take a SUP yoga class.
About the Author
Heidi Templeton is a former competitive gymnast and Bay Area yoga instructor specializing in vinyasa, hot, and standup paddle board yoga. Heidi shares her zest for all things health and wellness at www.facebook.com/HeidiFit.