If you’re a surfing enthusiast, you probably know exactly how much work goes into riding each wave. Paddling across the water, swimming against the currents, and balancing on that beloved board are all great ways to get a workout in.

But if you don’t treat it right, your body may start suffering from stiffness or injuries as it tries to keep up with your surfing paces. Using Pilates for surfing may be the thing for you.

If you can’t make it to the beach or want to warm up those muscles first, Pilates is an excellent way to stretch out your limbs and work on your flexibility. In this article, we’ll dive deep into how Pilates may be able to benefit you and your surfing dreams.

For personalised advice, contact our team at 13th Beach Health Services today.

Pilates and Surfing

Regular mat Pilates has many potential benefits that may impact every aspect of your life, including surfing.

One of the benefits Pilates is most well-known for is improving flexibility. Pilates consists of specific exercises that stretch different groups of muscles throughout the body, aiming to relieve tension and improve range of motion. By completing Pilates exercises regularly, you may slowly improve your flexibility and make it easier to do those quick movements that surfing requires.

Holding specific positions in Pilates exercises aims to help you improve your overall strength and endurance. It’s important to have a decent amount of strength when fighting those waves, and Pilates is a great way to build yours. With core exercises that benefit men and women, Pilates may help you get where you want to be.

Regular exercise with Pilates is a great way to maintain your physique outside the water. But Pilates has some key benefits that seem designed just for surfing. With the right Pilates exercise, while you’re improving your flexibility and core muscles, you’re also often working on improving your balance and agility at the same time. Your balance is one of the most important skills to cultivate when it comes to surfing. Without excellent balance, you’ll never even stand on the board.

Pilates aims to help improve your body’s ability to adapt quickly to any situation. Moving the way you need is integral to coping with those beautiful waves and riding them like no other. Whether you want to prep for those winter swells or strengthen your body for flat waves, Pilates is a great way to work out.

Simple Pilates Exercises

If you’re starting Pilates for the first time, it’s beneficial to start with something easy to see how your body adjusts. Below, we’ll go over a few exercises you can do at home that may help improve your muscle strength.

Swan Position

You should begin this position by lying face forward on the mat. Your hands should rest against the ground, close to your side, and your elbows bent.

Keep your hands pressed against the ground and push your body upwards, using your core muscles to lift your torso to create a smooth arc with your body. After holding this position, return to the initial pose, flat on the ground, before repeating it a few times.

This position was designed to help you build flexibility and strength.

The Hundred

Lie on your back and raise your legs, bent at the knee parallel to the floor. Lift your head and shoulders and look down the length of your body, holding this position.

Extend your arms a few inches above the ground. After a few breaths, pump them upwards and downwards repeatedly. Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds. To finish, bring your knees close to your body and hold them, resting your head against the ground.

This exercise is a great way to build your core strength and endurance.

The Spine Twist

Sit cross-legged on your mat, straighten your back, and relax your shoulders. Bring your hands towards your chest, thumbs resting against it and fingertips pressed together.

Focus on your breath and twist your body slowly to the left and then slowly to the right. Repeat this five or so times.

This exercise is a great way to help improve your posture and overall balance.

With these beginner exercises, you can start stretching your body in different ways to improve your mobility. If you are looking for easy ways to help your body cope with high-stress waves, giving Pilates a go might be a great way to start.

Exercise and Surfing

Though surfing can be a workout, it’s important to warm up and cool down your body with regular exercises as well. Surfing is dependent on factors like weather or access to the beach, which can impact your ability to work out regularly.

If you can’t jump into the water, mat Pilates for Point Lonsdale Residents may be a great way of keeping your body prepped for surfing. If you have any questions on how to get started or want some personalised advice, at 13th Beach Health Services, we’re always happy for your call. Don’t hesitate to contact us today.

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