Top 5 Benefits of SUP Yoga
Imagine yourself floating on flat water, surrounded by nature's beauty. As you move through your yoga poses, you feel a sense of balance, strength, and “searenity” that's unlike anything you've experienced before. This is the magic of SUP yoga. Unlike traditional mat yoga, SUP (stand-up paddle board) yoga combines the physical benefits of yoga with the mental and emotional advantages of being in nature. Keep reading for the five things we love most about the paddle board yoga classes we offer in partnership with SEAVĀSANĀ!
1. Enhanced balance and stability
Practicing yoga on an unstable platform forces your body to work harder to maintain balance. Even poses that feel simple on land (like downward facing dog), require more focus, presence and inner-stability to stay grounded on your board. It might feel strange to feel fatigued in new places like your feet, ankles, calves or wrists after your SUP Yoga practice, but after just a few classes, you’ll notice how the increased muscle engagement improves your balance and stability, both on and off the water!
2. Increased core strength
SUP yoga engages your core muscles more intensely than traditional mat yoga. The constant need to stabilize yourself on the board strengthens your abs, obliques, and lower back. A strong core is essential for everything from improving posture to preventing back pain. SUP yoga can help you achieve a stronger core, during a serene and peaceful practice!
4. Improved flexibility and range of motion
The unique challenges of SUP yoga can help you improve your flexibility and range of motion. As you work to maintain balance and find stability on the board, you'll discover new ways to move your body. For example, we often take a wider foundation in each asana, providing the opportunity for more movement through the pelvis and hips. Or, imagine trying to hold a wheel pose on a rocking platform. The increased difficulty can help you unlock new levels of flexibility, mobility and strength.
4. Reduced Stress and Enhanced Mindfulness
The combination of physical activity, mindfulness, and being in nature can have a profound impact on your mental health. SUP yoga can help reduce stress, anxiety, and improve your overall well-being both through increased presence and immersion in nature. Practicing yoga on the water requires increased attention to the present moment. To stay afloat and move fluidly through each pose, you need to stay attuned to your body, breath and board. This calms the monkey-mind, maintaining your focus on the here and now, and allowing you to let go of on-shore distractions, worries and responsibilities and go inward. Studies have also shown that spending time in nature can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and boost your mood. For all of these reasons, SUP yoga provides the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and find a deep sense of inner peace.
5. A SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT
Stepping outside of your comfort zone is a powerful way to boost your confidence and achieve personal growth. SUP yoga offers a unique opportunity to challenge yourself physically and mentally. As you navigate the ever-changing surface of the water, you'll overcome your fears and build resilience. Each successful pose is a victory that boosts your self-esteem. SUP yoga can reveal your strength, flexibility, and mental fortitude that you may not have known existed and unlock your hidden potential! By challenging your limits, you'll experience a profound sense of accomplishment that can translate to other areas of your life.
Ready to experience the transformative power of SUP yoga?This unique practice offers a multitude of benefits, from improved balance and strength to enhanced mindfulness and stress reduction. By stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing the challenge of practicing yoga on the water, you'll discover a new level of physical and mental well-being.
So, what are you waiting for? Join us for a SUP yoga class and experience the magic for yourself.