Top 3 Physical and Mental Benefits of Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is an incredibly diverse sport with an option suited for every ability, fitness level and age. But, amongst this diversity, no matter which direction you take the sport, the physical and mental benefits of paddleboarding are particularly impressive. Below we’ve listed our favourite reasons why, so you will never miss a session again!

Mental Health Booster

It’s no secret that working out makes you feel good inside, but when you combine it with being outdoors, filling your lungs with fresh air and surrounding yourself with nature, the list of benefits are extensive. Sitting at desks indoors for long hours is not a ‘natural’ thing for humans to do, which is why being outside with nature immediately reduces stress which, in turn helps to lower blood pressure, improve the immune system and lower inflammation. Even just a 20-minute paddle can achieve all of this! Studies have also shown a link between exercise promoting the release of feel good chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin. These ‘feel good’ chemicals do just that and help to improve our mood and sense of wellbeing, boost self-esteem, reduce depression and anxiety and improve sleep. In addition, the sun on our skin, remember filtered light on a grey day still counts, help to boost our Vitamin D production which boosts our immune system, helps to regulate nutrients in the body and reduces anxiety and depression. Finally, paddleboarding can be done year round, so even as winter sets in with the days and often our mood getting darker, you can still get out on the water and reap all of the mental benefits above!

The Ultimate Full Body Workout

Not only is paddleboarding extremely enjoyable making it not feel like a workout at all, but it also works and engages a vast majority of muscles in your body. The combination of balancing and paddling involves and strengthens your core, back, shoulders, quads and hamstrings, making it a great way to enhance joint stability. Even smaller muscles we forget about like our calves are engaged whilst balancing on the board! When you add SUP yoga into the mix, you’ll be working all of the above and more. With so much diversity in paddleboarding, it will never feel like the same mundane gym session, making it the ultimate full body workout!

A Safe Way to Exercise

In addition to being a great and fun way to stay fit, paddleboarding is in general an incredibly low-risk sport making it accessible to anyone, regardless of age, ability or size. However, with any sport, it’s important to take precautions such as wearing a board leash, buoyancy aid for non-proficient swimmers, or as laws dictate, and being aware of your level. For example, beginners should start in calm waist deep water. Along with being low-risk, paddleboarding is a low-impact sport with benefits including improved strength, reduced stress on joints and less risk of musculoskeletal injury. Once again, this makes it the ideal activity for anyone and everyone!

Paddleboarding truly is a sport that has it all, whilst providing impressive mental and physical benefits, and is accessible year round! What is your favourite mental or physical benefit of paddleboarding? Share your thoughts by tagging us on social media #greenwatersports. We love to see people outdoors and active!