The Many Great Health Benefits of Stand Up Paddling

photo Erik Aeder

The many great health benefits of stand up paddling offers a list a mile long. It’s no wonder everybody’s doing it but more importantly, because everyone and anyone can. If you’re looking for a great way to tone your body, connect with yourself on the water or with your friends, do something entirely new for your workout routine, well then this article was written for you.

Aloha, I’m Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trains Maui and yes, I’m very fortunate to live the island life and my dream on Maui for 16 years. And the sport I’m talking about is standing up paddling also known as SUP.

As a globally known athlete and trainer in the world of stand up paddling, and as one of the female pioneers in the sport; I’d like to share with you all of the amazing health benefits I’ve seen my clients and thousands of people around the world enjoy.

For one, you don’t have to be a surfer or be a water athlete. You don’t have to be in great shape and it’s one of the easiest, most fun things you can do in your life.   I’ve taught hundreds of people all ages, all sizes and everyone in between and now I train the pros. And now you can try it too.

I’ve also seen people start new, wonderful relationships on the water. You can’t help to flash a big smile when you’re paddling so you never know who you might meet.

On a more serious note, I’ve written a couple articles in the past on how stand up paddling has helped some people with their depression. It’s simply a joy to learn this as I am a huge mental health advocate. One woman I know who allowed me to interview her said it about saved her life and allowed her to get off her anti-depressants. Mentally connecting to the water made her really happy inside and it gave her something to look forward to. To me that alone speaks volumes of the sport.

Speaking specifically about how it tones your body, I have to say that once you really get your groove on you will notice increased core strength right away. Paddling requires you to have to use your whole body with each stroke and not just your arms to paddle.  Wow have I seen bodies transform.

I could go on and on about the many wonderful benefits of stand up paddling and here are a few more that come to mind:

• Gives you the freedom to explore and expand your mind

• Allows for literally a new platform to increase your total body strength

• SUP can also help you build your body confidence

• Stand up paddling can increase your social circles

• Can make for a great healthy and fun date

If you aren’t convinced yet just come to Maui and I’ll take you paddling!

What you need to do if you’d like to try stand up paddling or SUP, is look for a qualified instructor in your area. There are many schools popping up all over the world. All you need is one lesson and to learn about water safety, and soon you’ll be paddling to a more healthy life.

Just add some water, the desire to try something new and of course a stand up paddle board and a paddle and a little know how. Most people are up and going in less than 10 minutes.

The feeling most people describe at first is freeing and fun. They are amazed how easy it is and all the while you can get a fantastic workout. I just love seeing their smiles.

Stand up paddling offers other health benefits too such as being a way to disconnect from stress. You can’t text while you paddle, so unplug. I’ve also seen people shed tremendous amounts of weight just because now they’ve found something else they can do besides going to the gym, making it a great cross training exercise.

When we paddle on Maui we love spreading lots of Aloha and who knows, maybe one day I’ll be able to share my Aloha with you.

Mahalo and see you on the water!

Please feel free to leave a comment on how SUP has transformed your life! I’d love to hear from you.

Suzie Cooney

Suzie Trains Maui, LLC