Why You Should Try Paddle Board Yoga

You have heard of Dog Yoga, Beer Yoga, and Goat Yoga, but did you know that Paddle Board Yoga also exists? This yoga hybrid allows you to get out of the crowded yoga studios and venture into nature while improving your mobility. In this article, we will introduce you to paddle board yoga and its benefits.

What is Paddle Board Yoga?

Paddle board yoga is a fun combination of the two sports, in which you use a paddle board instead of a yoga mat. Doing yoga poses on top of a paddle board in the water will challenge your stability and target your core muscles. Here are several benefits of practicing this fusion sport, in case you need more persuasion.

For more tips and tricks, you can watch this video that explains some of the paddle board yoga basics.

Improved focus

Transitioning from pose to pose on top of a wobbly paddle board requires not only physical effort but also clarity of mind. While you are on the board, there is always the possibility of falling into the water even if there are no waves around. To prevent this, you need to keep your mind focused on the task at hand – finding balance and staying on the board.

The added stability challenge will help you keep your mind in the here and now. You will need to be alert, so you will pay more attention to the physical sensations in your body. This type of yoga might be beneficial for people who find their thoughts drifting during yoga.

Try it on the dry land

If getting wet right away worries you, you can build up the courage to try paddle board yoga by practicing it on the dry land. There are special wobbly paddle boards that you can put on the ground to try and see how hard it will be to find your balance.

Core strength

As we mentioned, balancing on the board is one of the biggest aspects of paddle board yoga. The muscles dealing with this challenge are the abs and core. In order to make up for the slightest movement of the water or the board, your core will have to perform micro-movements with muscles that you rarely use.

A stronger core is great for improving posture and preventing sports injuries. Runners, boxers, and gymnasts know how important the ab muscles are for proper form. A paddle board yoga session can double as a great conditioning workout, even if you aren`t a paddler or a yogi.

A change of scenery

Going to a yoga class in a dimly-lit studio after work is a great achievement. Sometimes, however, the routine, busy commute, and tight schedule can get a bit tedious. Associating your sports activity with stress might take some enjoyment out of the experience. This is why a change of scenery will work wonders for your motivation.

Connecting with nature

Going to the beach or lake is so much different than going to a crowded gym. This is your chance to spend time in nature and get some much-needed Vitamin D. Instead of skyscrapers, you will be looking at the trees and sky. The sound of the waves will replace the generic gym music. The breeze, the songs of the birds, and the fresh air will immerse you into the natural environment. A paddle board yoga session will help you relax and find your connection with nature and with yourself.

Getting started

The board

If these three benefits have sparked your interest, you might begin wondering how to get started. First, you will need a proper paddle board. We suggest that you go for a wider one as they are more stable and comfortable for beginners. Inflatable boards are also suitable as they are known to be more forgiving when it comes to flipping over.

The accessories

Apart from a board, you will most likely need a small anchor that will keep your boat from drifting or moving too much. Before you begin your yoga practice, you should secure your gear, so it doesn’t fall into the water.

Wrap up

Paddle board yoga has many benefits apart from challenging your muscles and alertness. It helps you build much-needed core strength, known to prevent many exercise-related injuries and other health issues. At the end of the day, this sports activity is very enjoyable. Doing yoga on top of a paddle board in the middle of a lake is fun, challenging, and it can help you get out of your comfort zone.