Sunday is a day we generally devote to family fitness. It's been several months since any of us surfed, and the bright sun and promise of above average waves meant today was the perfect day to get back on the boards.
Surfing is an excellent fitness goal. To be a successful surfer, you really have to pay attention to your over strength, aerobic fittnes and flexibility. I've seen many surfer-wannabes trying to catch waves and failing miserably from lack of upper body strength or lack of aerobic conditioning. Once you are up on that awesome wave, lack of flexibility can really take its toll as the wave might pull your legs in a way they just are not used to moving.
Before you catch that first wave make sure you are prepared. Focus on these things to help assure you are succesful, and to make sure if you fall off the board you have the strength and endurance to get up and get yourself out of the water.
Endurance Endurance Endurance - Paddling out beyond the break and fighting the waves once your up on the board is much harder then it seems. Increase your endurance using your regular cardio.
Strength Training - You've got to use those arms to paddle, and then get you up on the board. Then your legs and your core take over. Make sure you are strength training regularly before you attempt surfing.
Flexibility - This is one essential key to make sure you avoid injuries. Take classes like Yoga if you don't want to work on your flexibility alone.
Core - Your core has to be strong for you to maintain your balance on a surf board. Here are a few tips and a great article on core fitness from Women's Health Magizine.
Surfing with my boys has been a great way for us to share our time and keep fit! If you'd like to try surfing, just make sure you are ready for the challenge.
Sunday is a day we generally devote to family fitness. It's been several months since any of us surfed, and the bright sun and promise of above average waves meant today was the perfect day to get back on the boards.
Surfing is an excellent fitness goal. To be a successful surfer, you really have to pay attention to your over strength, aerobic fittnes and flexibility. I've seen many surfer-wannabes trying to catch waves and failing miserably from lack of upper body strength or lack of aerobic conditioning. Once you are up on that awesome wave, lack of flexibility can really take its toll as the wave might pull your legs in a way they just are not used to moving.
Before you catch that first wave make sure you are prepared. Focus on these things to help assure you are succesful, and to make sure if you fall off the board you have the strength and endurance to get up and get yourself out of the water.
- Core - Your core has to be strong for you to maintain your balance on a surf board. Here are a few tips and a great article on core fitness from Women's Health Magizine.
Surfing with my boys has been a great way for us to share our time and keep fit! If you'd like to try surfing, just make sure you are ready for the challenge.(Santa Surfing Image from Guest of a Guest Blog)