Paddleboard yoga is a great way to improve your balance and get some exercise. It can be a bit intimidating for beginners, but don’t worry this article is here to help! It will discuss the basics of this method and give you some tips on how to get started. So read on and discover the wonderful world of paddleboard yoga!
Gear Up
No activity can be successful without the right equipment. You will need to get a glide lotus yoga SUP in order to get started with paddleboard yoga. While you can use a regular SUP, it is not going to offer you the stability and features that are available in a specialized board for this purpose.
You will also need to get an anchor system and appropriate clothing for the water activities as well. You will want something flexible but warm enough so that your body does not tense up or suffer from hypothermia when practicing in cold waters. The right clothes should be lightweight and dry quickly without chafing on your skin or making you feel uncomfortable when working out on the board itself.
Learn The Yoga Language
There are lots of terms that can be used as learning the yoga language which you will find useful on your journey of learning paddleboard yoga. The most important ones are the following:
- Asana – This term is used to describe the different poses that you will be learning. They can also be called postures or positions, but learning the yoga language means learning to use asanas in reference to your position on your board.
- Mantra – Mantras are phrases that help with meditation and focus in order to keep yourself calm during practice. Practicing mantras can really help with learning paddleboard yoga, so try saying some out loud before getting onto your board.
- Pranayama – This term refers to the control of breath and is a really important part of any yoga practice, paddleboard or not! Learning how to breathe deeply and control your breath through breathwork training can help you stay calm
- Om – Om is often chanted at the beginning and end of a yoga class as it is thought to be the sound of creation. It’s said that when we chant Om we are inviting all aspects of the universe into our practice.
Start Slow
You need to start out with some beginner poses and work your way up to more advanced poses. Some of the starting paddleboard yoga poses you can try are the child’s pose, the boat pose, and the downward-facing dog pose.
By mastering these poses, you’ll be able to safely and effectively transition into more advanced poses. Start slow and take your time. It’s important to focus on your form and not rush through the poses. Remember safety first!
Work On Your Core
You will need a strong core to do paddleboard yoga. Luckily, working on your core is beneficial for many reasons and can be done with little to no equipment.
There are a few basic exercises you can do to work on your core: planks, crunches, Pilates roll-ups, and bridges. Start by doing one or two sets of each exercise for eight to twelve repetitions. As you get stronger, add more sets or increase the number of repetitions. You can also vary the exercises to keep things interesting.
If you want to take your core workout up a notch, consider adding some weightlifting into the mix. Dumbbells or kettlebells can help you sculpt those abs in no time!
Focus On Balance
Balance is essential in paddleboard yoga. When you are first starting out, focus on your balance and finding your center. This will help you stay steady on the board and keep you from toppling over.
In order to maintain your balance, it’s important to stay relaxed. If you’re tense, it will be harder for you to remain stable. So take a deep breath and let go of any stress or anxiety you may be feeling. This can be tough in the beginning, but with practice, it’ll become easier.
Find The Right Instructor
Do a lot of research to find the best paddleboard yoga instructor for you. A great place to start is by reading reviews online or asking friends for recommendations.
You’ll want an instructor who can teach you the basics and help you progress at your own pace. You don’t want someone who will push you too hard or make you feel uncomfortable.
Finding the right instructor is key to having a successful experience with paddleboard yoga!
Now that you’ve found the right person, it’s time to get started! The first few classes will be focused on learning the basic poses and techniques. Be patient, it takes time to develop the skills required for paddleboard yoga.
Paddleboard yoga is a fun and healthy activity, so make sure to gear up and learn the lingo. Start with simple poses while working on core strength and your balance to get better. Finally, find the right instructor who will help you get every pose to perfection. Have fun with your new hobby!