Can Stand Up Paddle Boarding Stand Up To Scrutiny?

NEW RESEARCH by ACE published August 2016 in "ProSource" magazine
https://www.acefitness.org/prosourcearticle/5997/ace-sponsored-research-can-stand-up/

The measure of calories a person can burn while engaging in SUP fitness varies. Typically, men burn more calories than women. Wave paddling or racing will burn more calories than low impact paddling. Regardless, stand up paddle boarding will burn more calories than most other comparable activities, which makes this sport a great way to achieve strength and body toning. 

According to fitness expert aficionado Brody Welte, as interviewed by Terry Tomalin in the Tampa Bay Times, "The average male can burn between 800 and 1,000 calories per hour, with the average female burning about 500 to 700 calories per hour," he said. "Compare this to running on a treadmill or an elliptical machine, where an average male burns between 600 to 700 calories and the average female burns between 300 to 400 calories."

Every Body Can Benefit

People with all body shapes, sizes and ages, with or without athletic ability, are engaging in stand up paddle boarding as a fun fitness activity. It truly is for every body and everyone. Not only is it excellent core fitness, the toes, feet, legs, back, shoulders, arms and neck all work together in harmony—the whole body engages. Balance, strength, and endurance are exercised whether you are paddling or simply standing and balancing on the board. It’s easier and more efficient to propel forward, as opposed to simply standing on the board, in the same way you feel more stable while picking up momentum as you ride a bicycle.

An efficient, fun activity that improves your physical health, SUP fitness is achieved by just getting out and doing it—or you can up your impact by taking a social fitness class or work with a personal trainer. Stand up paddle boarding fitness can be meditative, calming, and tranquil or exhilarating, exciting, and just plain fun in the great outdoors.