Paddle Boarding as Functional Fitness for Seniors
Seniors today are as active as ever. It’s rare to find an older person who does not exercise at all. It may be a daily walk or a bike ride. It may be as vigorous as lifting weights at the gym or doing a Crossfit workout.
If you are a senior who is reasonably fit you should consider paddle boarding. SUP boarding offers unique health and fitness benefits that stand apart from other forms of exercise.
Let’s take a look at some of the unique benefits of paddle boarding for seniors
Paddle Boarding…
1. Offers Variety
Paddle board offers variety in different ways. You can train so many different ways with a paddle board. A slow endurance workout or faster interval training are two popular examples.
Then there is the variety of the water and wind. Water conditions are never the same forcing you to adapt.
You can also add variety by paddling different waterways. Lakes, rivers, ocean bays, canals. You’re only limited by your imagination.
2. Is a Full Body Workout
Paddle boarding offers a full body workout. Feet, legs, hips, core, back, shoulders and arms all get a good workout during a sup session.
3. Improves Balance
Very important for seniors. Improving your balance and strengthening the muscles you use to keep your balance is a major benefit to paddle boarding.
4. Is Low Impact
Paddle boarding is a low impact exercise. Unlike running and other forms of exercise there is no jarring impact on your feet, legs or hips .
5. Improves Posture
Paddle boarding forces you to become aware of your posture. To paddle correctly your back must be straight with your shoulders down and back. Paddle boarding strengthens the core muscles which are critical to good posture.
6. Reduces Stress
Studies have shown that being around and in water (lakes, rivers, the ocean) has a calming affect on the human brain. Scientists call this the “blue mind” effect.
7. Targets the Core
Everyone knows that paddle boarding can work those core muscles hard. Once your balance and paddling technique is competent you can get this great benefit from paddle boarding.
Strengthening your core will benefit you in a functional practical way. The core muscles connect your lower and upper body and you need them strong for about everything you do. (Harvard Medical School)
8. Gets You Outdoors in Nature
The benefits of being outdoor in nature are many. As humans we are not meant to spend all day inside. Being outside in the sunlight, breathing fresh air and surrounded by nature is good for body, soul and spirit. (Yale Education)
9. Promotes Mental Sharpness
Exercise will improve mental sharpness. (Harvard) People who learn new skills are less likely to develop dementia. (Natalie Sisson) Paddle boarding offers advanced levels of technique that will keep your mind sharper as you learn them.
10. Is Fun
Last, but never least, is the fun factor. Paddle boarding is fun with a group or solo. Having fun while exercising outdoors is maybe the best way to feel young.
He who is of
calm and happy nature will hardly feel the pressure of age,
but to him who is of an
opposite disposition
youth and age
are equally a burden.
-Plato
