Do asanas on water help?
Are you looking for a new adventure in nature? Do you want to strengthen your body, improve your fitness, and take your well-being to a new level? Then the increasingly popular yoga discipline on stand-up paddleboarding could be just the thing for you. In this article, you'll learn what you need to keep in mind and why the asanas are increasingly being practiced on stand-up paddleboards.
What is SUP yoga?
First, we'd like to explain what this term means. SUP yoga encompasses the practice of various asanas on a stand-up paddleboard. Recently, SUP yoga has become a sub-discipline of stand-up paddleboarding. Anyone who has tried it before knows that it requires a strong sense of balance. If you want to do yoga on a stand-up paddleboard as well, you'll need even more practice and a well-developed balance system. But you can work on that.
What factors are important when buying a paddle board
important?
To get started, you not only need a strong will, but also a high-quality, inflatable board.
When choosing the right up paddle board you should consider the following points
take into account:
• The usable space must be large enough for you to practice the pose comfortably. Yin Yoga, in particular, requires a little more space. Beginners also tend to find it easier when there's a spacious area available – it makes it easier to maintain balance.
• The paddle board should be wide. Yoga SUP boards are therefore usually among the wider all-around boards. Some boards also have a rectangular shape.
• The gliding properties are not that important for a yoga board.
• Many SUP board manufacturers don't include a safety leash. This is often a nuisance, so they're often omitted. Yoga enthusiasts who also use the sturdy board for paddling should ensure that the D-ring is free.
• Of course, the load-bearing capacity also plays an important role. This ensures sufficient stability and load-bearing capacity. The volume is sufficiently high thanks to the thickness of over 15 cm.
• The carrying handles should be placed on the side so that they do not interfere with the yoga practice or meditation.
• Many inflatable boards are particularly practical because they can be easily stored away after use. These often come in sets with accessories like a backpack, which can be used to store the board after a trip on the lake.
• The price shouldn't be neglected. The price range is very wide, so you have to decide for yourself which model to buy. The material, size, and quality should never be neglected when choosing a stand-up paddleboard. If you want to buy as affordably as possible, you can compare the various offers on Amazon and other online stores.
Which exercises are the most popular?
If you enjoy being outdoors and spend time stand-up paddling, you should start incorporating a few asanas for your fitness. This is good for your body, mind, and soul.
The most important positions for stand up paddling are the following:
a) The boat
The exercise is performed on a SUP board just as it is on the floor on a yoga mat . You sit on the paddle and bend your legs. Then lean your upper body back and raise your legs. Only your bottom remains on the floor. Make sure your spine is straight. It's perfectly understandable that maintaining balance is easier on your home floor.
b) Malasana
This is a great exercise for your back and hips—even suitable for beginners. For this asana, squat with the soles of both feet on the floor and your thighs turned outward. Clasp your hands in front of your chest. Enjoy the stretch in your hips. Over time, you'll find the right technique for maintaining balance while stretching your hips.
c ) Downward-facing dog
This exercise is well-known in yoga and can be perfectly performed on a SUP board. Of course, the exercise feels different on a stand-up paddleboard. Even beginners can try downward dog. From a quadruped position, lift your pelvis backward and stretch your back and legs. Be careful not to fall over. Don't forget your breathing and focus on your body.
d) Handstand
If you're already a yoga pro on an inflatable SUP board, try the handstand. It's especially important to maintain core tension the entire time, so you don't tip forward and fall into the water. Beginners can practice this exercise first on a yoga mat and then on a SUP board. It's important to engage your entire core, abdominal muscles, and lower back.
e) Warrior I
To work your thighs, glutes, and core, you should perform Warrior I on a stand-up paddleboard. Unlike on the ground, this pose is significantly more difficult. You need to try to keep your balance—otherwise, you risk falling. Extend your right leg forward and bend it at a right angle (knee over heel), while your left leg returns and is extended. Your upper body is straight and facing forward, with your shoulders and hips aligned. Your arms are extended upward, palms facing each other. Stay here for a few breaths, then switch legs.
Yoga on the stand-up paddle board: the best tips
To ensure you are successful right from the start and feel comfortable on the board, you should follow a few tips.
• Yoga poses can be quite challenging, especially at first. Therefore, it's recommended to start slowly. First, familiarize yourself with the SUP board and see what you need to feel more confident. It can be helpful to start with simple exercises like child's pose. Meditation for deep relaxation will also help you gradually feel more confident. Once you've reached the point where you feel comfortable on the yoga board, you can begin with your usual exercises.
• If you're feeling unsure, try lower positions first. This will help you maintain your balance more easily and avoid falling over. Over time, your routine will improve, and you'll become more confident.
• Focus on a point on the horizon. Anyone who practices the tree pose often knows that focusing on a point can help you stay stable. You can also try this trick on your board.
• Practice makes perfect: Many sequences may be difficult at first, which is normal – but you'll gain confidence over time. Yoga on the board is suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners alike.
• If you find it difficult to get started, a course could help you learn the most important information about the SUP yoga board.
Have you ever tried meditation on a stand-up paddleboard?
Maybe you have already tried different yoga flows on the water
Have you dared to do it? If so, what experiences have you had?
