Why surfers have hot bodies...

It's no accident that surfers have amazing bodies. 

 

I much prefer the lean surfer physique rather than the body builder look not only because of look but because of the functionality and flexibility that comes with it. It's the engagement your core & stabilizer muscles and the constant shock of changing direction that creates such a change.

 

You have to train like an athlete to build an athletic body type, and that means multi-planar movements that engage the body & mind in challenging and unique ways.

 

A surfer is lean without looking weak, and muscular without the bulk. Sharp muscle lines are perfectly symmetrical, and overall body balance creates that enviable athletic physique. Paddling builds shoulder definition, strengthens the lower back muscles, and increases cardiovascular fitness. Duck-diving through waves builds arm strength: tricep strength in particular. Stomach to standing engages the core and pectoral muscles, and helps to build explosive power. And the actual process of standing and riding the wave increases leg strength, flexibility, and engages all the postural muscles.

 

Surfing just doesn't give you a great physique but it also works your cardiovascular system. Short bursts of power riding the wave works the anerobic side of things but what comes in must go out which is where  paddling back out to the line up builds endurance.

 

Can you think of any other workout that can deliver such benefits? Oh and I should also mention the the fact that you are in the best playground in the world...the ocean!

 

Here's something cool that I would like to see take off in Australia..something that I am surprised we didn't come up with first and have the world stealing our idea, or perhaps we just have easy access to the real thing;)

 

It's called Surfset fitness and it's a craze going gangbusters in the states.  It is a group class (or you can buy your own board) and is a full body approach inspired by surfing.  

It's drawn from the real movements of surfing to create workouts that build balance, core strength, stability, agility, aerobic conditioning, power, lean muscle & coordination. Basically you have a board set up along three balance discs and there is a structured class including all the same kind of movements that you would get in the ocean.

 

This would be especially good for those wanting to get into surfing to get the feel of the board and techniques down pat!

 

Shhheeessshhh...what will they think of next!

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