FitSugar

Getting Down With SUP

Susi May — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:02:30 PDT

I recently tried my hand, well, whole body, at stand-up paddleboarding. After looking at photos of Jennifer Aniston and Matthew McConaughey tooling around with paddle and board, I thought I was prepared. While SUPing is really not that difficult, especially when the water looks like glass, I was still hoping for a few beginning pointers other than terse advice to "balance" from the rental desk where I picked up my 11-foot board.

But that one word of advice is not to be underestimated; balance is key. You do not, however, need to start immediately standing on your board. Start in a low kneel (booty on your heels), then work your way up to a high kneel ("standing" on your knees), and eventually to standing. When you do make it up, it helps to have your feet just a bit wider than hip distance apart, toes pointed slightly outward, and knees slightly bent. Actively engage your core (just like at the gym when confronted with standing core exercises), but allow your entire body to respond as the waves roll in.

If you're ocean bound to SUP, I suggesting heading out in the morning when the water tends to be less dramatic. I jumped on my board in the later afternoon as the wind was picking up, making for choppy water. Ultimately, these conditions turned my rough start into a killer workout. Heading directly into the bumps and swells the ocean offers up is easier than riding parallel to the breaking waves. If you roll off the board due to waves, you have a splashy and refreshing landing into the water.

Learn another crucial bit of advice when you keep reading.

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town . . . on a Stand-Up Paddle Board

Fit Community — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 03:47:19 PST

FitSugar reader LaineyBooth shared the benefits of stand-up paddling in the Tone It Up community group.

That's right! Even Santa has taken up the sport that’s sweeping waterways all around the world! And for good reason - stand-up paddling (SUP) is super fun, easy to do, and a great activity for the whole family.

One of the reasons for the skyrocketing popularity of SUP is its accessibility to people of all ages and fitness levels. It’s an activity that men, women, children, and seniors can all enjoy.

The fitness benefits are terrific. I’ve been a fitness enthusiast my whole life, and stand-up paddling is the most fun and efficient exercise method I’ve ever experienced.

SUP is a toes to nose workout. The muscles of the feet are strengthened. The calves, thighs, and gluteus are toned. Just balancing on the board requires an engaged core at all times. Proper paddle technique generates power from the arms, upper back, and most of all, the obliques.

To find out even more benefits of SUP and where to buy the goods, head over to the Tone It Up community group. While there, why not post your own weight loss tips or fitness activities? We might feature your posts on the FitSugar homepage!

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Matthew McConaughey Ditches Running for SUPing

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 08:45:00 PDT

Stand up paddle surfing, or SUP, has been taking celebs like Jennifer Aniston by storm. For good reason too, not only is SUP fun, but it's also a phenomenal workout for the whole body.

Not that he needs any work on his physique, but it looks like Matthew McConaughey and girlfriend Camila Alves have joined the SUP phenomenon. SUP is a great workout to do with a pal since in the beginning you're going to spend a lot of time laughing at how many times you end up falling off and getting back on board-it looks like Camila has already thrown in the towel on even trying to stand up. Since it works basically every muscle in your body, perhaps you can both practice your massage skills on each other after a day of SUPing.

I love a good shirtless MM exercising sighting, however it's equally as nice to see him doing something other than running for a change, which he also does shirtless, of course.

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Flynet

Jennifer Aniston: What SUP?

FitSugar — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:30:00 PDT

Lately a big trend among water sports enthusiasts, and our favorite celebrities, is stand up paddle surfing (SUP). So much so that even the lovely (and smart) Jennifer Aniston has taken to the sport.

Maybe it's because it's fun, but I'm sure she also likes it because SUP is a phenomenal workout. SUP is basically where you stand on a surf board (or kayak) and paddle. If requires a good deal of balance, but it's not about catching waves. SUP can be done on totally flat water and since you are standing up, you are able to get a much better view of what is going on in and out of the water. Being that it is all about balance, SUP basically works every muscle in your body. Not only are you working your legs, but you're also working your arms and core. You'll be improving your fast-twitch muscles (crucial for balance and reaction time), which makes SUP a great cross-training workout since almost all sports/exercises rely on balance and core strength. Plus since you'll probably be falling off a bunch in the beginning, you'll be getting a good workout pulling yourself back onto the board. SUP fans regularly claim that just thirty minutes will work your body much harder than several hours of surfing.

To see more pics of Jennifer (and her super toned body) in Hawaii, just

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Bauer-Griffin

Best of Yoga: Hybrid Classes

Self — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:28:37 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar!

Still think yoga is for hippies? Think again! Instead of chanting, there are lots of yoga styles that fuse elements of other workouts to make a killer two-for-one workout for any exercise personality.

Since you've never been one to play by the rules, why should your yoga practice? Think of this as your yogi cheat sheet of fusion classes to help guide you through National Yoga Month. And be sure to brush up on first class tricks of the trade to look like a pro!

AntiGravity Yoga: Having trouble mastering the handstand? This is for you. Also known as cocooning and aerial yoga, AntiGravity yoga, created by former aerial acrobat Christopher Harrison, involves using a giant hanging fabric (think of a hammock) to assist with yoga pose and stretches.

AcroYoga: Need a spot? AcroYoga combines traditional yoga with Thai massage and Acrobatics for a partner-based practice. You'll massage, flow, invert, spot and asana with a buddy who is the ying to your yang.

Breakti: It's yoga with a beat! Founded by Anya Porter, Breakti is the fusion of break dancing and yoga.

Learn about more hybrid yoga classes after the break!

Healthy Dose Link Time: Stand-Up Paddleboarding Rocks

FitSugar — Wed, 18 May 2011 10:25:37 PDT

What is SUP? Stand-up paddleboarding, and you should try it! - Lululemon
Surprise! Tina Fey likes to party with yoga - Blisstree
Order these 80-calorie treats at your next happy hour - Health
Who was kicked off The Biggest Loser last night? Learn more here - Fit Bottomed Girls
Raw energy bars featuring buckwheat, almonds, and goji berries - Healthful Pursuit