5 WAYS TO A HEALTHIER IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING

Most of us have had enough time on the ol' Chesterfield lately and we know that is not good for our fitness. So with coronavirus lockdown still looming and dreams of getting outside again filling our heads, we thought we'd share these five ways you can build a healthier immune system with the world's best sport, stand up paddle boarding.

5 WAYS TO A HEALTHIER IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING
#1: SUP IMPROVES MUSCLE STRENGTHOne of the million or so reasons we love SUP for fitness is because it's an incredible head-to-toe workout. Even if you're the type to take it easy with a gentle paddle, you're working nearly every muscle in your body. Best of all, SUP really works your core, which is exactly what we all need after too many weeks sitting around inside. A stronger core is good for spinal health, which affects your entire body, as well as your posture, breathing and blood flow. So when it comes to building muscle strength for better immunity, it's hard to compete with a solid stand up paddle boarding routine.
#2: SUP WILL BURN OFF THOSE CHESTERFIELD CALORIESThe other problem -- indeed, the biggest problem -- with too much time inside is too much food and flab. If you've somehow managed to wait out lockdown without gaining weight, we applaud you. If you're like the rest of us, it's time to work off some calories. Remember: swimsuit season is right around the corner! So let's talk about some of the best ways to burn up those lockdown calories on your iSUP.SUP SURFINGSurfing on an iSUP is a high-octane activity and, in fact, the original intent for stand up paddle boarding. We wrote about the history of SUP a few months back and you can . You might be surprised to learn about the old school surfers and their contribution to stand up paddle boarding. If you're a SUP surfer or thinking about giving it a try, you can expect some serious calorie burn. In about an hour of SUP surfing in a moderate surf, you can burn up to 750 calories. If poutine is your favorite lockdown food, then SUP surfing needs to be your favorite after-lockdown workout. (Only sort of kidding.)SUP RACING

SUP racing is catching on as a f. Before lockdown, it was also becoming an increasingly popular team building activity or group outing. Mix it up with an obstacle course or scavenger hunt, and you're guaranteed to have a blast. You're also guaranteed to burn some calories. About 700 calories, to be precise.

SUP YOGA

SUP Yoga is another hot topic in the world of stand up paddle boarding. This, too, is fun for the family and great for some peaceful solo time.

When it comes to burning calories, can help you burn off approximately 400-to-500 calories in an hour.

#3: SUP IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEARTTalking about heart health might not be as exciting as burning calories, but it's just as important. A good SUP session gets your heart rate up, and that benefits your heart health and your total body health. Sitting around all winter is not good for your heart, so look to SUP to get your blood pumping and your heart healthy. Maintaining a healthy heart with regular exercise, no smoking and a healthy diet helps boost your immune system and fight off illness.#4: SUP BEATS STRESSJust as bad as a sendentary lifestyle is a high-stress lifestyle. Stress is bad for sleep, blood pressure and overall health. ! You might be surprised at how beneficial stand up paddling is for getting stress under control. , you'll apply tremendous concentration on balance and paddling and not on your worries. Once you've got the hang of it, you'll begin to relish your SUP time for clearing your head, communing with nature and high-quality time with friends and family. You can also convert your to a for a truly low-stress water outing.#5: SUP GETS YOU A HEALTHY DOSE OF VITAMIN DOne of the many things we've learned through the coronavirus crisis is that a healthy immune system is the best way to avoid getting sick (or recover more quickly if you do get sick). One thing many of us Canucks don't get enough of in winter is Vitamin D, and that's too bad because Vitamin D is essential for a healthy immune system. While there are oral supplements for Vitamin D, nothing beats fresh air and sunshine for maximum benefit. Getting into a solid SUP routine will guarantee to get you outside and in the natural light, benefitting your Vitamin D levels and your overall good health. We'd love to know how you're using a SUP lifestyle to boost your immune system. Share your ideas with us and fans on . We love hearing your SUP stories!