| Very often, you would not associate these two | | | | stay afloat on the water for the longest time |
| activities with one another; but apparently, many of | | | | possible. Additionally, cardio workouts are |
| the pro-athletes are now using yoga as a conditioning | | | | recommended if you have to paddle out to the |
| for surfing. As you might know, surfing is a very | | | | waves as much as the pro-athletes do. This kind of |
| rigorous sport. It demands a lot on the human body, | | | | workout also builds up the physical endurance a |
| especially since water is not an element that Man can | | | | person would need in order to go through the rigors |
| naturally move in. If you include crashing waves and | | | | of training. |
| unpredictable swells in the mix, then you have an | | | | Thirdly, many of the movements of yoga are geared |
| environment that can be quite overwhelming, if not | | | | towards stretching and crunches. This promotes |
| deadly. At the same time, it takes a lot of mental | | | | stronger but leaner musculature. A leaner frame is |
| preparation in order to get into this kind of sport. | | | | needed in order to easily surf the waves. This would |
| Competition aside, many professional surfers have | | | | give a person more maneuverability and more speed |
| been seized by their own fears especially when the | | | | out on the waters. Stretching exercises also promote |
| waves become too erratic. | | | | total body flexibility. Surfing demands a lot on the |
| So how does a person use yoga as a conditioning for | | | | lower body joints particularly from the joints of the |
| surfing? | | | | hips, to the knees, down to the ankles and bones of |
| First of all, yoga is considered as one of the best low | | | | the feet. Without flexibility, it would be very difficult |
| impact cardiovascular exercises there is. This means | | | | to maintain balance once a person gets upright on |
| that although a great workout can be gained from | | | | the surf board. |
| doing its repetitive movements, considerable strain is | | | | Lastly, yoga also promotes mental and emotional |
| not placed on the bones and muscles. Almost anyone | | | | stability, both of which are needed in order to master |
| can therefore do yoga -- no matter what their age | | | | the swells and the waves; not to mention possible |
| or level of physical fitness may be. | | | | competition from other surfers. Yoga helps increase a |
| Secondly, cardio workouts are essential tools when | | | | person's inner strength and sense of well-being, which |
| you want to practice conditioning for surfing. You | | | | in turn helps the person focus on the task at hand. |
| would need to build up lung power if you want to | | | | |