Stand-up paddle boarding has great health benefits and has been the watercraft with the largest increase in participation in recent years.
The industry has seen a 500% growth over the past five years. The pandemic had a big impact on this as people rediscovered nature and nature in their local area.
Since people could not travel, stand-up paddleboarding became the water craft of choice. It's easy to see why.
The investment is less than kayaks, the sport is easy to learn, the boards are quite light and easy to carry plus they are easy to transport.
It's a safe, low-impact sport that a wide variety of people can do.
In 2019, the average cost of a stand-up paddleboard was $500 to $1,500. Inflatables are the most popular, accounting for 75% of the market share in 2017.
It is interesting to note that more than 56% of participants in this sport are under the age of 35 and more than 50% of them are male.
Stand-up paddleboarding is a fun activity that also has a wide range of health benefits.
Low impact sports
Paddle boarding is a low-impact sport that reduces wear and tear on the body. It removes stress from your body while helping you get fit.
Full body workout
Paddle boarding provides an intense, full body workout that targets multiple muscle groups.
It targets your arms, shoulders and chest as you paddle, but also your leg and stomach muscles as you balance on the board while soaking up the waves. This constant balancing act is good for core strength and endurance.
The heart health benefit
Paddleboarding is good for cardiovascular health. Rowing for several hours or more will raise your heart rate and keep it there. You will feel the effects after a long ride. The action of carrying the board and supplies to the beach plus pumping the board, if inflated, will also raise the heart and have a positive effect.
Improves balance
The paddle board improves balance. If you've seen people doing yoga on a paddle board, you might be surprised how they manage to do a yoga exercise without falling over. But simply standing on the paddleboard while your body adjusts to the water can also improve balance. It can be a little rocky at first, but as your core muscles strengthen, you'll get better at balancing on the board. Maybe you'll even try yoga on your board.
Stress relief
Paddleboarding is great for stress relief. It's been a stressful world in the last 3 years. Whenever you can get outside and enjoy nature will help reduce stress. Paddleboarding reduces stress because you have to focus on what you're doing, which helps you forget about your problems. Getting out on the water and enjoying nature with exercise is great for mental health. When you grab a few snacks and stop at a small private beach, it's even better.
Lose weight
Stand-up paddleboarding can help you lose weight.
Stand up paddle boarding is a great way to exercise and burn calories. Since the activity also strengthens your muscles, you will be more toned which burns even more calories. Holding the board and pumping it, if inflated, will also burn calories.
Cross benefits
Cross benefit from other aquatic activities. Paddle boarders often do other water sports such as sailing, canoeing or kayaking. An inflatable stand-up paddleboard is easy to carry with a larger sailing boat, so training can be done while you're out and about. Inflatable boards can be taken on planes and trains as well as in a vehicle, so they are easy to take on vacations, camping trips, etc. This way you can do a workout wherever you go on vacation and get a new experience.
Paddle boarding is a super fun activity that can improve your overall health and fitness levels. The amount of benefit you get is directly related to the effort you put into driving. A smooth ride will not bring as much benefit as a more vigorous ride.
However, a healthy diet of herbs will give you the energy to achieve the health benefits of paddle boarding.
This article was published in Herbal Collective magazine July '2023 online. Get a sample or subscribe today.
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