When it comes to fitness and burning calories, there’s always a new trend making waves, literally. Stand up paddleboarding (SUP), once a staple for life guards, has now emerged as a popular water sport and a fun-filled way to burn calories.
What Is Stand Up Paddle Boarding?
Stand up paddleboarding is a water sport, where a person stands on a large board and uses a paddle to move through the water. This activity can be done on various water bodies – be it a calm lake, river or even on the open ocean waves. SUP provides a full-body workout, targeting core muscle groups, arms, legs, and even mental wellness with the serenity of being on water.
How Many Calories Do You Burn Stand Up Paddleboarding?
There’s more to paddleboarding than just a good time. It is also an excellent way to burn calories. But how many? Well, that depends on a number of factors such as your weight, the intensity of your workout, and the environmental conditions.
Factors That Determine Caloric Burn
Body Weight
The more you weigh, the more calories you’re likely to burn as it would require more energy to move your body on the paddleboard. According to Harvard Health Publishing, a person weighing 125 pounds can burn approximately 240 calories per hour while paddleboarding, while a person who weighs 185 pounds can burn roughly 355 calories in an hour of the same activity.
Intensity of the Workout
Calorie burn can also vary based on workout intensity. A leisurely paddle on a calm lake is likely to burn fewer calories than an intense session in the ocean battling waves.
Environmental Conditions
Wind and wave conditions can significantly impact the intensity of your workout. Paddling against the current or in windy conditions will burn more calories as it requires more energy.
Maximizing Calorie Burn While Paddleboarding
If your aim is to burn calories, you can certainly up your game. Here are a few tips to burn more calories while paddleboarding:
Integrate High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Try alternating between high-intensity paddling and periods of rest or light paddling. This has been shown to burn more calories than steady-state workouts.
Paddle Stronger and Faster
The more you can get your heart rate up, the more calories you’ll burn. Challenge yourself to paddle harder and faster for certain periods of time.
Work on Your Technique
A proper technique can help you paddle more efficiently and burn more calories. Consider taking a lesson or watching instructional videos to improve your form.
In conclusion, paddleboarding is a fun, enjoyable way to get in a full body workout and burn calories. Whether you’re paddling leisurely or racing across waves, this water sport can provide a refreshing change from the mundane gym workouts while helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
