is paddleboarding good exercising

Paddleboarding is a sport that is growing in popularity. The paddleboard features a deck you stand on while gliding through the water.

Some health benefits are associated with paddleboarding, including increased cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strengthening. It provides a good arm and core workout as well.

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Paddleboarding as a Full Body Workout

Paddleboarding is an excellent way to experience the water’s beauty, but most people don’t know that it can also be a full-body workout.

You can use many different strokes to work your body, but for this article, let’s focus on two of them – the J-stroke and the traditional paddle stroke.

The J-Stroke mainly targets your shoulders, back, neck, and arms – using this stroke, you move your arms in a figure-8 motion. The traditional paddle stroke targets your core muscles, legs, back, and chest. It also requires you to use more arm strength than leg strength because it’s used during the upstroke.

The traditional paddleboard stroke is a two-handed forward stroke. It is the most common and best way to propel oneself on a paddleboard. Beginners need to use this stroke as soon as possible to build up their arm strength and paddling experience.

How to Burn More Calories from a Low-Impact Sport like Paddleboarding?

Paddleboarding is an excellent activity for those who want to stay active and maintain muscle tone. But as with any physical activity, it can also be used as a weight-loss tool.

Paddleboarding burns more calories than other low-impact sports, such as walking or cycling. You can burn approximately 600 calories in an hour of paddleboarding, and the activity is not considered strenuous because it isn’t a high-cardio activity.

If you’re looking for an outdoor sport that will challenge you but not beat you up, give paddleboarding a try!

How to Get Started with Paddleboarding Yoga

Paddleboarding yoga is a newer form of fitness.  It combines the practice of yoga with the beauty and simplicity of paddleboarding. Exercises can be done on any board.  However, boards like SUPs and kayaks are preferred because they allow you to feel more stable and connect with your surroundings.

Paddleboarding yoga has many benefits that make it perfect for anyone looking to get in better shape or take their practice to the next level. It gives people a way to stay both active and calm.

There are three different methods for paddleboard yoga: Partner Yoga, Line Yoga, and SUP Yoga.

Paddleboarding is a great exercise whether you plan to use your paddleboard for paddling around or are looking at getting into paddleboard Yoga.  It is a low-impact way to burn calories and be physically fit without knowing it.  Many people enjoy being on a paddleboard and out with nature. You are using your core muscles just by standing on the board.  

Almost anyone can enjoy a stand-up paddleboard.  It doesn’t matter your age or ability level.  There are very stable beginner boards.  Try it today.

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FAQs About Paddleboards

There are several types of paddleboards designed for specific activities:

  • All-around paddleboards: These are versatile boards suitable for beginners and casual paddlers, offering stability and maneuverability.
  • Touring paddleboards: Longer boards are designed for distance paddling and open waters; they are faster and track better in a straight line.
  • Racing paddleboards: Sleek and narrow, designed for high-speed paddling and competitive events.
  • Yoga paddleboards: Wider and more stable to allow yoga poses while floating on calm waters.
  • Fishing paddleboards: Equipped with extra storage and rod holders, designed for stability while casting and standing.

Inflatable paddleboards (iSUPs) are durable military-grade PVC and can be deflated for easy transport and storage. They are lightweight, convenient, and perform well in various conditions. Hard paddleboards, or epoxy boards, are typically made of fiberglass or carbon fiber and offer greater rigidity, stability, and performance, especially in surfing or high-speed paddling. Choosing between inflatable and hard depends on your storage, transportation needs, and performance preferences.

The right size paddleboard depends on your weight, experience, and intended use. Wider boards (32-36 inches) offer more stability and are great for beginners or yoga enthusiasts. Narrower boards (under 30 inches) are faster and more agile, suitable for experienced paddlers or racing. Longer boards (10-14 feet) are better for touring and racing, while shorter boards (under 10 feet) are more maneuverable and ideal for surfing or recreational use.

Yes, inflatable paddleboards (iSUPs) are great for beginners. They offer good stability, are lightweight, and are easy to transport. Their soft construction makes them safer for new paddlers and is durable enough to handle bumps and scrapes. Many beginners choose iSUPs because they are affordable, portable, and perfect for learning balance and paddle techniques on calm waters.

Essential paddleboard accessories include:

  • Paddle: Adjustable paddles are ideal, and materials like carbon fiber provide a lightweight, strong option.
  • Leash: A coil or straight leash keeps you connected to your board if you fall off.
  • Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Required in many areas for safety.
  • Pump: Necessary for inflating iSUPs, with electric pumps being more convenient.
  • Fin: Helps with tracking and stability; different fin setups (single, tri-fin, etc.) can affect performance.
  • Waterproof bag: Useful for keeping personal items like phones or keys dry.

Proper paddleboard maintenance is key to prolonging its life. Rinse your board with fresh water after each use, especially if you’ve been in saltwater, to prevent corrosion. Store your board out of direct sunlight to avoid UV damage, and if you have an inflatable board, ensure it is dry before deflating and storing to prevent mold or mildew. For rigid boards, consider using a board cover for additional protection. If storing long-term, keep the board in a cool, dry place and avoid stacking heavy objects on top.

Paddleboard yoga combines the tranquility of water with the strength and flexibility of yoga poses. While you can practice yoga on any paddleboard, yoga-specific paddleboards are wider (around 34 inches or more) for increased stability and often feature a soft, non-slip deck pad for comfort. These boards help yogis maintain balance while performing various poses on calm waters, such as lakes or bays.

One of the biggest advantages of an inflatable paddleboard is its portability. When deflated, the board can be rolled up and stored in a compact backpack, which usually comes with the board’s purchase. Most iSUP backpacks have padded straps for comfortable carrying, and some models even have wheels for easier transport. Inflatable paddleboards can also fit easily in the trunk of a car or on a plane, making them an ideal choice for traveling.

Inflating an inflatable paddleboard (iSUP) typically takes 5 to 10 minutes using a manual hand pump. However, with an electric pump, you can inflate your board in 5 minutes or less without exerting much effort. Most inflatable paddleboards are inflated to a pressure between 12 and 15 PSI (pounds per square inch), which ensures a rigid, stable surface while paddling.

The weight capacity of a paddleboard depends on its size, width, and construction. Most all-around paddleboards can hold between 200 to 300 pounds, while touring and racing paddleboards have capacities of 250 to 350 pounds. Fishing paddleboards or tandem boards often have higher weight limits, sometimes supporting up to 500 pounds or more. When choosing a board to ensure stability and performance, it’s important to factor in your body weight, plus any gear or passengers.

Why Trust PaddleSesh Water Sports Marketplace:

PaddleSesh is your one-stop online marketplace for all things water sports. Specializing in stand-up paddleboards, surfboards, and kayaks, we provide a comprehensive selection of premium products catering to beginners and seasoned water enthusiasts. Established with a passion for the great outdoors, PaddleSesh has built a reputation for offering high-quality, durable, and innovative water sports gear that ensures you have the best experience on the water, whether you’re paddling on serene lakes, catching waves, or kayaking through challenging rivers.

Our range of stand-up paddleboards includes inflatable and rigid boards perfect for recreational use, racing, yoga, and even fishing. In addition to paddleboards, we carry a vast selection of surfboards—ranging from shortboards for high-performance surfing to longboards for relaxed, easy rides on gentle waves. For those who prefer kayaking, our marketplace offers single, tandem, and fishing kayaks built for adventure and exploration.

At PaddleSesh, we pride ourselves on being a nationwide business that caters to water sports lovers across the United States. Whether near the coast or inland, our online store is accessible 24/7, offering the convenience of having top-quality water sports gear delivered right to your doorstep. We work with leading brands and manufacturers to ensure that every product meets the highest quality and performance standards.

Our knowledgeable staff and expert product reviews guide you in choosing the right equipment for your needs, ensuring that every purchase helps you get the most out of your time on the water. In addition to providing equipment, we are committed to building a community of water sports enthusiasts by offering valuable tips, expert advice, and helpful guides on everything from board maintenance to safety tips.

PaddleSesh is more than just a marketplace—it’s a community for those passionate about paddleboarding, surfing, and kayaking. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an expert on the waves, PaddleSesh has the gear, knowledge, and support you need to make every session on the water your best one yet.

Explore our range of products today and experience the thrill of water sports with confidence and style.