Hey, babes! 🌊
I’ve just returned from an incredible trip to Ericeira, Portugal, where I spent some time hitting the waves and discovering the joys of surfing. Let me tell you, surfing isn’t just a fun way to spend a sunny day—it’s also an amazing workout that can seriously complement your fitness routine. If you’re looking to mix up your cardio and resistance training, surfing might be just what you need!
The Cardio Benefits of Surfing
Surfing is a fantastic cardiovascular workout that challenges your heart and lungs in a way that’s completely different from traditional cardio exercises like running or cycling. Here’s why:
Constant Movement: Whether you’re paddling out to catch a wave, maintaining balance on your board, or wiping out (it happens to the best of us!), surfing keeps you moving. This constant activity gets your heart pumping and helps build endurance.
Interval Training: Surfing naturally incorporates intervals of high intensity (when you’re paddling hard to catch a wave) and recovery (when you’re waiting for the next set). This makes it a great form of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which is excellent for improving cardiovascular fitness and burning calories.
Endless Variety: No two waves are the same, which means your body is constantly adapting to new challenges. This variety keeps your cardio workout dynamic and engaging, preventing the boredom that sometimes comes with repetitive exercises.
Surfing as Resistance Training
What surprised me most about surfing was how much of a full-body resistance workout it provides. Every movement engages your muscles, from your core to your upper body and even your legs.
Core Strength: Balancing on a surfboard requires serious core stability. Every time you stand up on your board, your core muscles are firing to keep you balanced and upright. This makes surfing a fantastic way to strengthen your abs, obliques, and lower back.
Upper Body Power: Paddling out to catch waves is no joke! It’s an incredible upper-body workout that targets your shoulders, chest, and back. The repetitive paddling motions help build endurance and strength in your arms and shoulders, making it a great alternative to traditional upper-body resistance training.
Leg Strength and Stability: Once you’re up on the board, your legs do a lot of the work to keep you steady and control your movements. This constant engagement helps build strength in your quads, hamstrings, and glutes, while also improving your balance and coordination.
Why Surfing is the Ultimate Cross-Training Workout
If you’re like me and love mixing things up in your fitness routine, surfing is the perfect cross-training activity. It’s a total-body workout that combines cardio, resistance, and flexibility training in one fun and challenging package.
Low Impact: Unlike running or other high-impact exercises, surfing is gentle on your joints. The water supports your body, reducing the risk of injury while still providing a challenging workout.
Mental Health Boost: There’s something incredibly calming about being out in the ocean, connected to the rhythm of the waves. Surfing not only challenges your body but also soothes your mind, making it a perfect way to unwind and de-stress.
Connection with Nature: One of the best parts of surfing is the opportunity to be out in nature. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of riding a wave, surrounded by the beauty of the ocean. It’s a reminder to be present, enjoy the moment, and appreciate the natural world around us.
Final Thoughts: Ride the Wave to Better Fitness
Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a complete beginner, incorporating surfing into your fitness routine is a great way to build strength, improve cardiovascular fitness, and have a blast while doing it. My time in Ericeira was a reminder of just how rewarding it can be to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. So next time you’re near the coast, grab a board, hit the waves, and see for yourself why surfing is the ultimate cross-training workout.
Your body (and mind) will thank you!
Millie x
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