Focus On: SUP Exercise Class
When we lived in San Diego, I enjoyed stand up paddle boarding (SUP) and spent a lot of time cruising down the channel or in the bay. Our neighbor owned a SUP rental company, and would often drop boards off in our side yard to take on adventures. I would have loved to try a SUP exercise or yoga class while we were in SD, but we moved to Valdosta before I had the chance. The beach is a liiiittle farther away now. Fortunately, Laura (who does a lot of behind the scenes work for this blog) takes a SUP exercise class at her gym in Silicon Valley, and she offered to share her experience with you. This post will be a helpful guide for any SUP exercise class format, but specifically focuses on Aqua Stand Upยฎ. Laura is also a Pilates instructor, so her perspective is that of a group fitness instructor. You can follow her adventures in raising healthy kids on Instagram.
Paddle Boarding vs. Paddle Board Group Exercise
My husband and I have enjoyed SUP since we first gave it a try when vacationing in San Diego. Since then, weโve rented boards in France, tried it out on some lakes in Northern California, and recently decided we enjoyed it enough to buy our own. We hope to have many more SUP adventures in various states in the years to come!
Paddle boarding is good exercise in itself, but the most fun thing about it is exploring wherever you are from the water. Even though I enjoy it and have never fallen in (*yet*), Iโm always a little nervous about it – especially when weโre on the ocean! Iโve seen SUP yoga classes offered on open water and was curious about them, but was most excited when my gym started offering SUP exercises class in the indoor pool. Thereโs nothing to explore there – just a focus on working out – and itโs not so scary to fall in. I knew I had to give it a try!
Hereโs what you need to know about Aqua Stand Upยฎ (this is the class my gym offers) and why you might want to try it too.
What is Aqua Stand Upยฎ?
Aqua Stand Up takes traditional outdoor SUP into the gym! You perform exercise moves choreographed to popular music, all while on top of a paddle board in your gymโs pool. Youโll challenge your balance and activate your core while doing a variety of moves from basic strength training, to yoga and Pilates.
Check out this teaser video to see what the class is like:
Hereโs What You Can Expect in Aqua Stand Upยฎ Paddle Board Class
–To get wet! Even if you have stellar balance, youโll at least need to get in the pool to hook up your board. Youโll also need to lie on the board for some exercises, which will definitely get you wet.
–To learn something new! The instructors know that many people havenโt tried a SUP exercise class before and are prepared to show you how to hold the paddle, set up properly and stand up on the board. Standing up on the board can feel challenging when itโs not something youโve done before!
–To fall in! Most people fall in at least once, especially if youโre a beginner. Even more experienced participants might fall in if theyโre really challenging themselves. Falling is safe – youโre far from the edges of the pool and other class participants so youโll just make a splash and climb back on!
–To stay in place. The boards are hooked in the front and back, so you wonโt actually go anywhere, even when paddling. What this does do is create more resistance for your paddle. Youโll feel the burn paddling both forward and backward.
–To work your core. Paddling itself works your core, but aside from that youโll be doing strength moves while challenging your balance, which naturally works your core. Your core is more than just your abs, and this class targets your back a lot too.
–To work your whole body. From squats to crawling, planking to pushups, youโll work most of the muscles in your body. The best thing is that because of the balance aspect, youโre working your muscles in a way that is different than what theyโre used to.
-To challenge yourself. Even if youโve done SUP before like I have, your balance will still be challenged. Youโre purposely doing things to throw off your balance, like burpees and making waves. Even exercises you might be used to, like side planks, may feel especially challenging on the board. Have fun with it!
What to Bring to Your SUP Exercise Class?
A water bottle and a towel for after class.
What to Wear?
At minimum, youโll need a swimsuit. A one-piece, tankini or rash guard might be most comfortable since you lie down on the board for some exercises. Depending on your comfort level, Iโd also recommend wearing shorts. To my first class, I wore a tank top and a bikini bottom, and felt awkward doing moves like downward dog since there were people walking through the pool area behind me. For my next class, I opted for fitted workout shorts and felt much more comfortable. If youโre in a closed in area with no one walking by, this may not matter to you.
Who is This Class Good For?
Aqua Stand Upยฎ is a fun new way to challenge your muscles. If youโre up for trying something new, enjoy a fitness challenge, and are free of injuries, Iโd recommend it to you. Even better if youโre the type of person that can laugh at yourself if you fall in. ๐
Who Might Want to Skip It?
This class might not work for someone who has recently had surgery or has any type of injury – especially shoulders – even if theyโve been cleared to workout. Itโs challenging enough to keep up with the speed of paddling when youโre injury-free, but itโs near impossible if you have any shoulder issues. The class is not well-suited for those who need modifications such as that. The instructor is not in the pool with you and cannot help much with modifying (this is similar to my experience with BodyPump – the instructor shouts out form cues and modifications, but doesnโt come around to help). This class also might be discouraging for new participants who are struggling with their balance. However, this is something that can improve with practice, so I hope you wonโt be discouraged if you think youโll fall in!
Have you tried a SUP or a SUP exercise class? Do you think youโd enjoy it?
Other Focus On posts here:
I have tried SUP before. It is awesome. I can tell you that if you have any type of foot related issues it can irritate them. I have never consider doing it in a group exercise setting.
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This looks very fun! I’m sure it’s a kick-ass core workout!