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Ever since paddle boarding began in Waikiki in the 1960’s it has been one of the most beginner-friendly activities. If you’re looking to take the experience up a notch, why not try paddle board yoga. The peace and tranquility of the water will kick the yoga experience up a notch.

Benefits

Instability. Because the board isn’t completely stable, you have to use more muscles to stay stable. While that sounds like a bad thing, it’s great for a workout of any kind. The more muscles you use, the stronger you get. That’s the reason why using stability balls in workouts is so popular. You’ll also be able to tell whether you’re doing your poses correctly. If you tilt too far to one side, the paddle board will tell you.

The rush. Another benefit to the instability is the rush of adrenaline from almost falling into the water. Nothing beats adrenaline when it comes to kicking your workout into high gear. An article on FitDay says that when you get a rush of adrenaline during your workout you should take advantage of it because it doesn’t happen very often.

Overcoming Fear. Falling in the water is perfectly safe, but the fear will likely be there. You have to overcome the fear and get back up on the board when you fall off. It’s about perseverance.

Breathing. If you manage to keep your board steady and balanced you can begin to enjoy the peace that comes from being on the water. The sound of the waves will help you practice Ujjayi breathing or “ocean breath.”  Ocean breath starts in the diaphragm and moves up to your upper chest and throat. It’s a gentle form of breathing with equal time inhaling and exhaling. Practicing it on the water is ideal.

Fun: While you are still challenging yourself, a paddle board makes the workout a lot more fun. It’s a chance to practice yoga in a whole new way. If you’ve gotten into a rut with your yoga routine, this could be your answer.

Finding a paddle board

Buy from knowledgeable people. The larger the selection a store has, the lower the knowledge they have on any given item. If you want to be sure you’re buying the right paddle board, ask people that know about paddle boarding.  

Rent before you buy. If you’ve never used a paddle board before it is a good idea to rent one before you buy it.  That way you can get a feel for the board. You can also get a discount on the purchase of your paddle board.

Paddle board yoga helps you become more balanced and stable.  If your yoga routine has gotten boring, paddle board yoga can make your yoga workout more challenging and more fun at the same time. Just find a paddle board and row out to a place where you can try your poses. Let the beautiful turquoise water off of the Florida panhandle support you as you breathe and move.