888-765-5400Get Your Paddle On! – Health Benefits of Stand Up Paddle
Recently, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina posted an article called From the Mountains to the Sea: NC Weekend Escapes, which is definitely worth the read if you are looking for a good vacation idea. The article hit home with me because I just happen to have enjoyed two recent North Carolina excursions, one to the mountains of Blowing Rock and one to the ocean off Ocracoke. I am newly amazed at how diverse the landscape of North Carolina truly is and how close we are to both mountains and sea. In addition, these two vacations have taught me a lot about what both have to offer in terms of outdoor summer activity.
From hiking and biking to surfing and swimming, North Carolina summers offer plenty of opportunity to get outside and get moving. On my most recent trip to the beach, our family went paddle boarding, an activity we have only recently discovered, but are coming to love. Having not grown up at the beach, I never learned to surf and was originally apprehensive at the thought of trying to stand up on what looks like a big surf board and navigate across water. In addition, I never suspected my young children could really enjoy such an activity. Having tried it, however, I am pleasantly surprised at how easy it really is, for children and adults alike.
In addition to being fun, Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) is an excellent source of physical exercise. Tagged “The Ocean’s Bicycle,” by World Windsurf Champion Mickey Eskimo, Stand Up Paddle Boarding allows you to leisurely or aggressively work your way across almost any body of water. Paddle Boarding can be very easy and gentle gliding or you can sprint paddle depending on whether you are looking for a relaxing experience or a more strenuous workout. In recent years, cross training has become increasingly popular and one of the golden rules of cross training is the use of unstable surfaces. Exercising on unbalanced surfaces, such as water, specifically targets coordination between different muscle groups, creating increased core strength, balance, stability and stamina.
As opposed to more traditional forms of exercise that target specific muscle groups in isolation in a stable environment, training on unbalanced surfaces builds core muscles strength. Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) requires your body to use explosive strength while on the move, which produces the same sort of benefit you get from cross-training in a fluid environment. Because you must balance on the board, your body is always adjusting and this adjustment is what creates very effective resistance training for your muscles, without excessive strain.
More importantly, it’s just a fun way to exercise! I have now paddle boarded both in a standing position and on my knees. I have also paddle boarded alone on a board and with young children sitting on my board while I paddle. And I have enjoyed all of it. There is something very peaceful about being out on the water and SUP allows for water exercise that is neither too difficult nor too demanding. For a fun family activity and a great day of exercise in the sun, give Stand Up Paddle Boarding a try! Like me, you may wind up discovering a new hobby that can last a lifetime.
Before starting any fitness program, always consult your doctor first and get his/her clearance for physical activity and find out if there are any issues that would affect you participating in a new activity.
For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov to apply for your subsidy, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents. Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.