Life seems to have its set of challenges all prepared and ready to be aimed at people at every single turn. Though the beauty of it is reflected all around, the darkness too seeps in from the narrowest of cracks. This is where people start to feel like all their hope has been lost and there is no silver lining in the cloud to keep them going. If you ever feel that way you should remember that miracles will not always conjure up on their own. Sometimes it is us who need to create it for ourselves.
This can be done by reminding ourselves of the underlying beauty thriving in the world through yoga for one. It is an ideal way of regulating our internal balance and feeling one with ourselves as well as the world around us. Not only does it come with a massive dash of positivity to combat mental health issues such as depression and anxiety but also a chunk of physical health benefits as well.
What Is Paddleboard Yoga:
One of the most impressive forms of yoga is paddleboard yoga. You need to have a whole lot of experience doing yoga beforehand to get the hang of this one. It may look as simple as balancing yourself on a paddleboard but looks can often be deceiving and that is certainly the case here. Though normally people opt for yoga in the comfort and safety of the indoors. They either do it at their own house or take a yoga class in a studio among several other people. Not everyone steps outside to be more deeply connected with the world as they go through the various poses meant to keep them anchored to it. Paddleboard yoga can help you get a fresh perspective on the activity itself while also boosting your strength. It is also known as SUP yoga and people have been growing to admire it long enough for it to be a sort of trend by now. All you need to start giving it a go is a calm body of water and a paddleboard. There are numerous benefits that accompany it and make it worth giving a shot.
Why You Should Go For Paddleboard Yoga:
No one ever really claimed that paddleboard yoga was easy. It is not simple by even a mile off. You need consistent practice off the paddleboard before hopping onto it to give it a go. However, there are a number of different reasons why you should turn to it. The first one is of course the fact that it is pretty challenging and will give you something to work towards and an area to improve in. That is never entirely easy but it is worth it every single time you continue to stay determined long enough to feel the victory coursing through you. Since it is a challenging experience more of your muscles might undergo the process of being toned as well.
Since you will be doing all the exercises surrounded by water there is something you should keep in mind. Water can make your paddleboard bob gently even if it is fairly calm. It is extremely hard to find and maintain the right kind of balance, which you can end up learning if you start out with paddleboard yoga. Of course, that is also bound to improve your core stability to add to it. One major aspect of this form of yoga that you cannot always grasp at when you do yoga indoors is that you have scenic views to take in. As the sun starts to set and paints the sky with fiery orange blending into cotton candy pink and soft hues of blue, allowing the water to reflect the rainbow of colors you may feel a sense of peace. You just might see the world through a different lens and recall the beauty that exists in nature and inside all of us.
Various Paddleboard Yoga Poses You Can Try:
Paddleboard yoga requires massive amounts of strength, focus, and determination to keep going no matter how hard it gets. It is advisable to not just get on a paddleboard and start going at it without any practice beforehand as you might fall into the water. Start off by practicing the poses on the beach first so you can get a feel for things and start to build up your balance before heading out to the water. Here are some yoga poses that you can try when you are ready to give it a shot after enough practice.
1. Mountain Pose:
It is always better to start off simple and try to increase the intensity little by little. One of the best ways to do that is by going for the mountain pose. This entails you to stand up straight on the paddleboard and try to find your balance amidst the gentle current of the water. Do not let yourself falter or stumble around so you can slowly start to build the balance that you will need to be able to tackle the other yoga poses as well. Make sure that your feet are hip-distance apart and you are breathing deeply and calmly and your shoulders are slightly thrown back as you continue to stand tall.
2. Downward Facing Dog:
This one is a little harder to do when you consider paddleboard yoga. However, it remains one of the most popular yoga exercises to do both on and off a paddleboard so you simply cannot go wrong with this one. Start off by being on all fours as you have your hands and knees pressed to the paddleboard. Then you may slowly start to ease into the correct position with you stepping your legs backward as your hips are pushed upwards and outwards. Your arms should be stretched out straight in front of you as your entire body feels the stretch.
3. Revolved Triangle:
The revolved triangle can look and feel pretty complex at the best of times. However, you may be surprised to find out that it is actually a whole lot easier to do on a paddleboard than the seemingly simpler non-revolved triangle pose. First, you need to have your feet balanced at the very center before you proceed to step one foot backward. Lean forward so that your hands stay on the board and if you must you may bend your knees a little. Stretch your hamstrings by positioning your legs correctly as you raise one hand so it reaches out for the sky. Swivel your upper body enough that it is turned to the side as you lift your arm up.
4. Wheel Variation:
This is a bit of a complicated pose that you can try on a paddleboard and end up looking and feeling pretty elegant while you go for it. It is sure to stretch most of your body out as your face is tilted towards the sky with the warm rays of the sun kissing your skin. You need to first start off positioning yourself in the bridge pose so that your hands and feet touch the board and your chest is aimed above. As your chest is curved upward reach up with your leg and ensure that it is straight and allows the rest of the body to feel the pull as well. Think of it like you are on a boat and your leg is the mast, standing tall and firm. Once you are done with that side of the leg you may switch to the other.
5. Revolved Sugarcane:
Revolved sugarcane is another exciting yoga pose that you can try out on a paddleboard. It cannot be denied that this one maintains a certain level of difficulty but it is definitely one that is worth all the efforts that are put into it. Have both your hands and feet resting on the board as you try to gain some amount of balance and steady yourself. When you feel like you are ready lift one leg up enough that it bends at the knee and you can touch it with your hand as you raise your arm backward. Try to maintain your focus and continue to breathe deeply as you hold yourself aloft the board. Once you have stayed in the position long enough you can switch to the other side.
Conclusion:
Now, that you are all up to date about the basics related to paddleboard yoga you may realize just what a fun activity it actually is. Not only does it have scores of benefits it also comes with an infinite supply of peace and relaxation that is generally hard to find in daily life. It is a pretty good way to get away from all the stressors and hassles that may be plaguing you otherwise at home, school, or work. You can have your own isolated time where you just connect and find peace within yourself and observe it all around you.