Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga (also known as SUP Yoga) is a fitness trend that has gained a lot of attention in recent years. This modern take on yoga brings traditional poses to the water, allowing yogis to test their balance and challenge their practice while staying close to nature. It is practiced on a large board similar to a surfboard. Thick buoyancy boards are usually about 10 to 11 feet long and 2.5 to 3 feet wide, giving the practitioner plenty of room to practice.
Stand-up paddle boarding alone is an excellent full-body workout. By combining it with yoga, more traditional yogis can delve deeper into their mind-body practice.
Benefits of Paddle Board Yoga
Benefits of Paddle Board Yoga
In SUP yoga, proper alignment is essential. Improper weight distribution or wrong foot placement can cause you to fall off the board and into the water. While falling into the water isn’t the worst thing that can happen, the higher risk forces you to double check your posture to make sure you’re properly aligned. This focus on alignment will serve you well as you return to your mat on firm ground.
find your balance
find your balance
Good balance is the key to success when you stand up paddle board alone. SUP yoga takes balance to a whole new level. By practicing yoga on a board that responds to your every move and every natural movement in the water, you’ll discover an exciting new balance challenge that requires mental focus and physical engagement.
mindfulness and focus
mindfulness and focus
It’s easy for your mind to wander during a typical yoga class, especially if you’re comfortable with the process or have taken dozens of classes with a certain teacher. After your water workout, you’ll become so preoccupied with a new set of challenges that you won’t have room to think about your shopping list or what to do after class. When you focus on balance and proper alignment, you have no choice but to give yourself to the board
engage your core
engage your core
You no longer have a stable ground to help you stay grounded, so core strength becomes even more important when paddling. Paddle boarding itself requires a consistent core workout, so get your core engaged by including yoga. In your classes, you’ll find that seemingly simple poses, like Tadasana (Tadasana) or plank (Adho Mukha Dandasana), require more help from your core strength than in regular classes.
Where can I do SUP yoga?
Where can I do SUP yoga?
While many people think SUP yoga is out of reach, the practice is actually quite accessible. Even if you don’t live near a natural body of water, many community centers offer classes at local pools. While pool sessions don’t have the added benefit of connecting with nature, you can still exercise balance and explore your practice in new ways – when you have the opportunity to be creative with nature! These courses often provide paddle boards if you need them, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own paddle boards.
Whether you live on the Pacific coast or have a pool at your local community center, check out this exhaustive list to see if there are SUP yoga classes near you. Make sure you also do an internet search in your area to get the latest information on new studios that may be offering classes.
How to prepare for your first class
How to prepare for your first class
After you’ve decided on a course to take, there are a few things you need to prepare. Since you’ll likely be outdoors, you need to keep in mind all the things you need to know to feel safe and comfortable in the sun.
Be sure to bring sunglasses (especially if you have sensitive eyes), but pack a pair that you’ll be happy to throw away. Headstands and backbends risk falling into the water, so leave your favorite sunglasses at home.
Protect your skin from the sun by applying sunscreen before class. Make sure it’s waterproof in case you fall in the water.
Finally, the clothes: If you want, you can wear swim-specific clothes, eg. B. Rash hoodie and shorts. It’s best not to just wear swimsuits like bikinis or one-piece swimsuits. You should protect your skin from the skis and move as comfortably as possible during the position.
While swimwear is an option, you can wear the same attire as you would for your usual yoga class. As long as it’s sweat-wicking workout gear, it’s a safe choice for SUP yoga, so feel free to layer it with pants or shorts and your favorite yoga top.
preparing for first grade
preparing for first grade
Before starting your first SUP yoga class, practice these poses to work your balance and core. This will help you stay in top condition for a successful first workout on the water.
Vasisthasana – Side Plank
Vasisthasana – Side Plank
The side plank (Vasisthasana) strengthens your core, especially your obliques, while challenging your balance, making it the perfect preparation for SUP yoga.
instruct:
In plank position, start in a straight line from neck to heels. Put your feet together behind you so your big toes touch each other.
Place your weight on your right palm and roll your body to the right, balancing on your right palm and outside of your right foot. Yo