The many health (and mental health) benefits of paddleboarding

People are paddling their way to better health and well-being all over our Minnesota lakes. If you haven’t tried it yet, you may want to jump on the bandwagon because, aside from the fun, the physical and mental health benefits are real. 

Physical health benefits of paddleboarding

Glide across the water for a full-body workout that will engage those muscles and get your heart pumping.

• Balance and coordination
  Balancing on a paddleboard is a little like treading a rope but much more fun. The water’s constant motion challenges your balance and coordination, giving you killer core strength and better posture.

• Core strength
  Paddling works out your arms, shoulders, back, legs, and most importantly, your core. It’s like a gym session without the sweaty gym smell. Say goodbye to weak muscles and hello to a strong, toned body.

• Cardiovascular health
  Paddleboarding is like running but without the joint pain. Get your heart pumping and improve your cardiovascular fitness. According to the Mayo Clinic, paddleboarding can help keep your heart happy and healthy. Other studies have shown that just thirty minutes of paddleboarding can lower blood pressure by up to 10 points – all thanks to aerobic exercise and paddleboarding’s calming environment.

If you’re ready to level up your fitness game and soak up the sun on Minnesota lakes, paddleboarding is the way to go. It’s a workout that’ll make you feel like a superhero and give you a mental boost too. 

Mental well-being through paddleboarding

Paddleboarding isn’t just about getting fit – it’s a mental health powerhouse. Boost your confidence, find your zen, and wave goodbye to stress with this fantastic water activity.

• Self-confidence on the board
  Standing up on a paddleboard takes balance and coordination. Mastering these skills boosts your confidence, making you feel like a boss. Check out this Psychology Today article for more on how sports activities like paddleboarding can pump up your self-esteem.

• Mindfulness in nature
  Paddleboarding lets you soak up nature’s beauty while finding your inner peace. Picture serene Minnesota lakes at sunrise or sunset – pure bliss. Research shows that spending time in nature enhances focus and increases feelings of awe.

• Stress reduction from water activities
  Paddleboarding not only gets your heart pumping, but it also releases those sweet endorphins that boost your mood. Plus, being around water has a calming effect on the mind. Dive into this article from Well + Good to learn more about the stress-busting power of ‘blue spaces.’

• Mood boosters from the sun
  Sunshine is nature’s mood enhancer, and the vitamin D you get from being out in the sun is known to boost serotonin levels, reducing symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Combine this with the feeling of accomplishment that comes from mastering a new skill, and you have the recipe for a happy and healthy mental state.

Tips for newbie paddleboarders

If you’re ready to try paddleboarding, start with a beginner-friendly board and learn safety tips before heading out onto the beautiful Minnesota lakes. Stay safe and have a splashing good time.

Beginner-friendly boards

For beginners, go for wider boards for better balance. Inflatable boards are also great – they’re durable and easy to transport. Do your research or ask an expert before buying. Find helpful advice about purchasing the right paddleboard by Googling how to choose a stand-up paddleboard.

Safety precautions before hitting the lake

• Wear a life jacket: No matter how confident you are, wear a life jacket.
• Use the buddy system: Don’t paddle alone. Buddy up. 
• Keep an eye on the skies: Check the forecast before you go. Avoid strong winds and thunderstorms. 
• Familiarize yourself with the area: Know the lake’s layout and watch out for rocks and busy boating areas. 

Paddleboarding can be fun and therapeutic when done safely. So gear up, follow these tips, and prepare for an amazing adventure on Minnesota’s stunning lakes.

Now that you know the benefits of paddleboarding and a few tips, what are you waiting for? Experts claim paddleboarding’s mental and physical benefits can boost health and happiness. At the end of the day, paddling across our Minnesotan lakes is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors and a great way to keep your body healthy.

Grab a board and get ready to conquer the water!