Author: Ana Santos

A Guide to Paddle Boarding with Kids in Ibiza

Posted on by Ana Santos

Paddle boarding with Kids in Ibiza: A Family-Friendly Adventure

Ibiza is renowned for its stunning scenery, sunny climate, vibrant nightlife, and exciting activities. But did you know it’s also a fantastic destination for families? From sandy beaches to crystal-clear waters, Ibiza offers countless opportunities for fun and relaxation with the kids. One activity gaining popularity among families is paddleboarding. The island’s calm seas and picturesque coastlines create the perfect setting for this water-based adventure. Here’s your complete guide to paddle boarding with kids in Ibiza.

Why Choose Ibiza for Paddle boarding with Kids?

Ibiza stands out as an ideal destination for family paddleboarding. Its tranquil waters and family-friendly beaches provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all ages. The island’s scenic sandy shores and pristine seas enhance the experience, offering both adventure and relaxation. Additionally, Ibiza boasts a range of kid-friendly stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rental options, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.

When to Go Paddleboarding in Ibiza

Timing your visit to Ibiza can make all the difference in your paddleboarding experience.

  • Summer Months: For those seeking warm weather and a lively atmosphere, Summer is the best time to visit. The sunny skies and bustling island vibe create an energetic backdrop for outdoor activities.
  • Early Mornings and Sunset: Early morning and sunset outings are ideal for families. The sea is typically at its calmest, offering safer conditions for kids to paddle. This quieter time also provides a more serene beach experience.
  • Weekdays: Visiting during the week can help you avoid the crowds of peak season, ensuring a more relaxed family outing.

No matter when you visit, paddleboarding in Ibiza is bound to be a highlight of your trip.

Top Paddle boarding Spots in Ibiza

Ibiza offers a variety of beaches perfect for paddleboarding with kids. Each spot caters to different preferences, whether you’re looking for lively energy or peaceful seclusion. Some standout locations include:

  • Cala Vadella: Known for its calm, shallow waters, perfect for beginners.
  • Santa Eulalia Bay: A family-friendly destination with ample amenities.
  • Portinatx: A picturesque beach offering clear waters and stunning views.
  • Cala Comte: Famous for its golden sands and crystal-clear seas.

With so many options, finding the perfect paddleboarding spot for your family is a breeze.

Paddleboarding Safety Tips for Families

While paddleboarding is a relatively safe and beginner-friendly activity, taking precautions is key to ensuring a fun and worry-free experience.

  1. Wear Life Jackets and Leashes: Some rental services include these essential safety items.
  2. Check the Weather: Calm, sunny days are ideal for paddleboarding.
  3. Stick to Shallow Waters: Many Ibiza beaches feature shallow areas perfect for families with young children.
  4. Choose Family-Friendly Beaches: Look for spots with lifeguards and amenities catering to families.
  5. Use Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen regularly and consider wearing hats and UV-protective clothing.
  6. Book Lessons: First-timers can benefit from professional guidance to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing.

Packing Essentials for an Ibiza Family Adventure

Preparing for a trip with kids can feel overwhelming, but a well-planned packing list can make the process easier. Here are some essentials to bring:

  • Lightweight clothing and swimwear
  • Sunblock, hats, and sunglasses
  • Comfortable shoes and a light jacket for evenings
  • Beach towels, umbrellas, and toys
  • Reusable water bottles and snacks
  • Insect repellent and first-aid supplies
  • Passports, travel documents, and chargers

Tailor this list to your family’s specific needs to ensure a stress-free holiday.

Whether you’re a paddleboarding pro or trying it for the first time, Ibiza offers an unbeatable combination of natural beauty and family-friendly fun. Enjoy the shimmering waters, soak up the island’s stunning views, and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Paddleboarding in Ibiza isn’t just an activity—it’s an adventure the whole family will treasure.

For more tips on paddleboarding in Ibiza, click here.

SUP YogaPilates blog: SUP Yoga benefits and relaxation effects

Posted on by Ana Santos

SUP YogaPilates blog: SUP Yoga benefits and relaxation effects

We invite you to learn about the SUP Yoga benefits & relaxation effects in this article of our SUP YogaPilates blog:

If there is one thing we have learned over the past decade, it is that the opposite of work should not be sedentarism. Relaxation, the ultimate goal in our battle against stress, requires work, but of a different kind. Imagine performing your favorite relaxing asana atop a paddle board, or meditating while floating on the Mediterranean sea. True tranquility takes effort, yet when it is pleasurable, it seems effortless; this is the essential ingredient of lasting calm.
SUP YogaPilates gallery: SUP Yoga Pilates in Ibiza www.supyogapilates.com

How Yoga Combats Stress

Study after study has shown that Yoga has a unique ability to significantly lower levels of stress hormone, cortisol. This hormone, when present at high levels, causes everything from anxiety to depression. It is also closely linked to cancer, accelerated ageing inflammation, heart disease, obesity, and Type II diabetes. One recent study, published in Frontiers in Immunology (June, 2017), discovered that mind-body interventions such as meditation, Yoga, and Tai Chi don’t just relax us; they actually reverse specific reactions in our DNA which cause ill health and depression.

Yoga Can Undo Past Wrongs

The above findings are fascinating because if in the past, it was known that Yoga could help us battle present stress, we now know that it can even ameliorate the ill effects of our ‘fight or flight’ response being activated for too long. As noted by study author, Ivana Buric, “”Millions of people around the world already enjoy the health benefits of mind-body interventions like Yoga or meditation, but what they perhaps don’t realise is that these benefits begin at a molecular level and can change the way our genetic code goes about its business.”

How Can We Enhance Yoga’s Relaxing Effects?

When you’re out at sea, the sound of the water, the salty smell of the air and the feeling of floating will do its magic. If you practice Yoga at home or in your hotel afterwards, you can increase your ability to focus by using tools like essential oils (diffused through the room), and beautiful candles, whose flame make a great point of focus. Remember to use natural rather than paraffin candles, since the latter releases toxic particles into the air. A great choice are soy candles, which are 100% free of harmful substances, and are made with beautiful fragrances such as oakmoss, pine, and amber.  Use natural elements to bring you closer to the greater life force that flows through all of us. Use also CD recordings of the sea or natural settings to intensify relaxation.

What is Yoga’s Secret Ingredient?

Researchers believe that they have cornered the secret that makes Yoga, Tai Chi and meditation so successful: all three activities help us achieve the often elusive state of mindfulness, also known as ‘being in the present moment’. Yoga, for instance, truly challenges us to perform asanas with perfect technique. While practicing controlled breathing and, sometimes, incorporating meditation into our routine (or using it to relax afterwards). When we are mindful, we obtain distance from worries about the future or guilt about the past, and focus on achieving a state of peaceful bliss. Thus, our heart and breathing rate reduce, and  our senses open to the beauty that surrounds us.

Yoga does more than calm our present mood; it has powerful effects on our DNA, correcting some of the damage done by chronic stress. The best way to enjoy its stress busting effects, is undoubtedly while floating on your personal paddle board. At home, seek tranquility through music, meditation, aromatherapy and candles. In addition, always try to surround yourself with natural materials. This will remind yourself of the vastness of the life force that runs through the Planet.

Author: Sally Writes / Photo: André Oosterhuis – SUP YogaPilates

6 Top Benefits To Be Enjoyed from a Yoga Retreat

Posted on by Ana Santos

6 Top Benefits To Be Enjoyed from a Yoga Retreat

According to Harvard Medical School, Yoga provides a retreat from our chaotic and busy lives. In addition it helps us to deal with mental and physical conditions and improves our relationship with food. But there’s a big difference between taking regular Yoga classes and booking yourself onto a Yoga retreat, particularly when the retreat takes you to a magical destination like Ibiza. The experience is more intense and highly memorable. Also for many people it is the energizing kick they need to make positive changes to their daily routines at home.
You should also consider retreats that combine Yoga with other kinds of activities and disciplines such as SUP YogaPilates. SUP YogaPilates is a complete training fusion that combines Yoga, Pilates and Stand-Up Paddle Surf. The Yoga and Pilates elements work the core, while the Stand up paddle takes care of strength, flexibility and balance.
Whatever kind of retreat you choose, you can be sure of experiencing the following major benefits as a result:

1. Experience two kinds of journeys

A Yoga retreat offers more than one kind of journey. It offers the chance to travel to a foreign location and take a journey within yourself at the same time. It’s the kind of experience that offers a deeper connection with the world that surrounds us and with our inner spirit.

As we spend time sleeping away from home and away from all the distractions that form part of our daily lives, we make real contact with the immediate environment. In addition, we make the time for true personal reflection. Most Yoga retreats are organized in locations that encourage deep spiritual connections. Ibiza, India and Thailand featuring as three of the most magical destinations. As we connect with Nature and rediscover our body’s natural rhythm, we give ourselves the chance to find ways of letting light and peacefulness into our soul.

2. Improve your Yoga skills

A common misconception held by some who have never practiced Yoga is that it’s fairly easy to master. While it may look easy from afar, Yoga is actually an intense form of physical exercise. It can provide challenges in terms of flexibility, stamina and strength. Asanas, headstands and meditation don’t come easy. They require years of practice to be fully mastered and even then there’s always room for personal improvement.

Committing to a busy work and Yoga-practicing schedule at home can be really tiring. However, most Yoga retreats include at least two classes every day. This makes it easier to practice and improve your technique in a shorter space of time.

3. Detox from technology

According to an article published by CNN, Americans spend more than 10 hours a day looking at a screen. Even when we go on vacation, we tend to get drawn into the technology trap of responding to texts, messages and emails, or of checking our social media updates and talking to friends and family as though we were at home.

Yoga retreats, on the other hand, are much better at encouraging us to embrace a complete technology detox. Learning how to unplug and switch off can be quite a challenge; one that is sometimes best learned when exposed to specific experiences, like a Yoga retreat.

4. Make new friends

Friends are always important, but friends who share similar interests are even more important. Yoga retreats are excellent environments for forming strong and lasting connections with others. This is why they’re also really great for people who enjoy traveling alone. They provide opportunities to acquire knowledge and learn the details about yoga and its practices from more experienced yogis.

The other advantage of attending a Yoga retreat on your own is that you don’t always have to be in a sociable mood. Whenever you want to have some individual time just for you, you can retreat to your room or go for a wander without worrying about offending your friends.

5. Cleanse your body from the inside out

Yoga retreats can do wonders for your diet too. Most retreats offer programs that include cleansing meals that will take your health to a whole new level. The norm for many of the all-inclusive programs is to offer a balanced diet of three healthy, tasty meals a day, plus regular snacks designed to boost your nutrient and vitamin intake.

You might also find that the meals you enjoy on the retreat inspire you with new ideas for what to prepare at home. We often get sucked into the same meal ideas thanks to a lack of time and energy. Find here information about 15 incredibly nutrient dense foods to optimize your diet. A visit to a Yoga retreat can help to break your regular meal cycle. Furthermore, it can introduce your palate to invigorating culinary experiences.

6. Recharge your batteries for the long-term

Essentially, Yoga retreats offer a complete make-over: physical, mental, spiritual and dietary, with the added perk of traveling to a new destination. For these reasons they are far more effective for keeping stress at bay in the long-term. The skills you learn during a retreat can be incorporated into your regular routine, helping you to maintain a healthy balance in life beyond the initial experience. Read here some of the many health benefits of Yoga, as proven by science.

Author: Sally Writes / Photo by Kyson Dana on Unsplash

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What can Yoga retreats do to strengthen your relationship?

Posted on by Ana Santos

What can Yoga retreats do to strengthen your relationship?

Are you seeing signs that your relationship is in trouble? Looking for more ways to strengthen your relationship? Taking a couples’ Yoga retreat has proven to help enhance the connection in many relationships.
With over 36 million Americans embracing the art of Yoga, this calming practice can be a wonderful escape from the daily stress in life. It can also give you a chance to strengthen your bond with your loved one
Couples all over the world are looking to take their vacation to the next level by traveling to the world’s most beautiful destinations that hold Yoga retreats. Couples can travel to the best islands together and share Yoga sessions for a strong bonding experience.  

Yoga Retreats Strengthens the Bond Past Physical Attraction

While Yoga is a traditional practice for individuals, it creates an opportunity for couples to stretch, breathe, and focus on their movements through various positions. Couples Yoga & Partner SUP Yoga allows two people to relate and work together through assisted poses. Starting from basic stretches, you can build your levels of communication and strengthen the trust. This practice allows two people to bond and shares a positive experience that moves beyond the physical attraction.

Joining a couples Yoga retreat can serve as a honeymoon for lovers or a workshop to strengthen a troubled relationship. No matter what the situation of the relationship may be, Yoga requires couples to pay attention to their partner in the moment and move together towards a common goal.

Yoga Improves Sexual Intimacy

Couples Yoga & Partner SUP Yoga is also found to increase the sexual arousal and satisfaction between partners. In fact, studies from Loyola University found that Yoga helps couples struggling with sexual dysfunction.  Contrary to what others may say, couples Yoga is not meant as a Kama Sutra. It is rather a form of Yoga that connects two people to sync their breathing, heart rate, movements, and postures as one.

Yoga Retreats Builds Satisfaction in Relationships

Just the simple effort of trying a couples Yoga retreat will set the right tone for the relationship. This action can help you feel more aligned with your partner and ultimately more satisfied with your relationship. Studies show that couples who engage in new challenging activities together will increase the quality of their partnership and strengthen the romantic attraction. Additionally, the Tantric Yoga movements build awareness and affection to create a deeper bond that is both spiritually and physically with each other.

Furthermore, As the definition of Yoga is stems from “union,” it is the work of bringing the connection between body, mind, and spirit. If you are looking to strengthen your relationship with your partner, you can learn to relax and reconnect with each other before you join a Yoga retreat together. The experience of a Yoga retreat will only increase the bond and strengthen the Love that is already there.

Author: Sally Writes / Photo by Matthew Kane on Unsplash

Breathe In, Breathe Out, and Stay Fit

Posted on by Ana Santos

Breathe In, Breathe Out, and Stay Fit

Learn How SUP Yoga Pilates Can Increase Your Metabolism

SUP Yoga Pilates can help you stay present, centered, and strong while floating through the changing waves of life and love. However, did you know that it can also help you lose weight and stay fit? According to a study published in the International Journal of Yoga, yogic practices can improve diurnal metabolic rates. This study took 88 healthy volunteers. They found that those that practiced Yoga during the day had metabolic rates that were 12 to 16 percent more efficient than volunteers that didn’t practice Yoga. Read on to find out more.

Direct Effects of Yoga on Metabolism

Any type of physical activity that gets the body moving will essentially help boost your metabolism. The body uses more energy during yogic practices and therefore burns more calories and increases metabolic rate. When practicing SUP Yoga Pilates, the body targets large muscle groups in the core digestive tract. When these muscles all work together, they start to get bigger in size and density. Therefore, the more core muscle we build, the more calories we burn, and ultimately the more our metabolic rate increases to burn said calories. The controlled, deep breathing that occurs during Yoga also helps promote circulation. In addition it provides the body with enough oxygen and nutrients that can increase metabolism.

Indirect Effects of Yoga on Metabolism

Studies have shown that Yoga doesn’t only have direct effects on metabolism, but it also promotes some of the following activities that ultimately work to enhance your metabolism rate.

  • Reducing Stress: When we become stressed, our body reacts by producing an extra stress hormone called cortisol. Cortisol can build up in our body and slow down our metabolism. However, as most of you know, Yoga Pilates is great for reducing stress levels and improving a calm, meditative state. All this can prevent cortisol build-up.
  • Improving Sleep: The controlled breathing associated with SUP YogaPilates can increase oxygen levels, promote blood circulation, and improve respiratory muscles. This, in turn, allows you to get a restful sleep at the end of the day, which can increase your metabolism rate.
  • Increasing Thyroid Activity: The thyroid produces hormones that help increase and restore our metabolism. Certain yoga positions such as the Came, Cobra, and Bridge pose have been known to stimulate thyroid activity.

Best Yogic Poses to Increase Your Metabolism

The study found that the best time to practice Yoga is at night, as this created a bigger impact on metabolic rates. So, if you’re looking to stay fit, adding a yogic routine around 9 pm or right before going to bed will help you reach your goal. You should try adding the twisted chair, locust, bow, eagle, or crescent lunge to your routine for guaranteed metabolism effects. Also try to add some aerobic activity, high-speed yoga, or fast transitions so that you can burn more calories and further increase your metabolism rate.

Definitely, SUP Yoga Pilates is a way to balance many things in your life and one of these things is metabolism. With the right poses and routine, you could be on track to staying fit, losing weight, or obtaining the body of your dreams.

Author: Sally Writes / Photo: André Oosterhuis – SUP YogaPilates

Stand Up Paddleboarding guide

Posted on by Ana Santos

Stand Up Paddleboarding guide

What is Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)?

Stand Up Paddleboarding or SUP is a Summer water sport and outdoor activity. This is a relatively new, but it gaining in popularity. You could say it’s a mixture of surfing and kayaking in lighter versions of both. The name comes from the words “to stand”, “to paddle”, “board” and “moving”.

To ride a SUP,  you just stand on a special large flat board, take a paddle and start rowing, you don’t need any special training or special skills. Beginners need to choose a wide stable board and start training with a kneeling pose, and then gently stand on two legs and catch the balance. It may not work the first time, but the skill will appear very quickly. Then you need to learn how to hold the paddle correctly — it depends on how fast you can ride the board and how fast you get tired. SUP riding with the right technique — it’s a great full body core workout.

SUP can be done anywhere: in the seas, lakes, bays and rivers. In any region and any country, you can go out on the water with a SUP board and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.

SUP boarding is mostly a Summer but almost all-season activity. In a warm wetsuit, you can do it even in cold weather — the main thing is that the surface of the water is not covered with ice.

Unlike surfing, or kayaking, on Stand-up board you can do a lot of things: row and explore the surroundings, do yoga, fish or surf on small waves. In addition, you can take part in SUP races, which are held in different regions and take several hours.

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) brief history:

Stand Up Paddleboarding or SUP, or “Hoe he’e nalu” in the Hawaiian language, is a water sport that combines the traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe paddling with surf.

It is one of the fastest-growing water sports which has technically been around since ancient times (over 1,000 years ago). SUP started as a simple means of transportation, but it had a 300-year or so hiatus.

In the 60s, it was picked up again by the Waikiki ’beach-boys’ in Hawaii, USA, who found its higher advantage as a better way to keep an eye on the pupils in their surf schools and incoming swells. In fact, from time to time they surfed the waves themselves using the paddle to steer the board.

Since then, Stand Up paddleboarding continued to become popular in the Hawaiian Islands. Even names such as Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama and Rich Thomas used SUP as an alternative way to train in the water while the surf was down in the 2000s.

Soon stand up paddle surfing offered instant appeal and accessibility to all kinds of surfers. It allowed them to paddle to far away little-known breaks that were uncrowded. In addition, SUP increased the number of waves a surfer could ride in a session and the range of conditions that could be surfed. Furthermore, very quickly stand-up paddlers realized that the “surf” could be taken out of it, and recreational and racing SUP were discovered as sports unto themselves.

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) types and disciplines:

One of the main attractions of Stand Up paddleboarding is its versatility as an activity.

Stand Up paddleboarding is a sport suitable for all ages and conditions.

It involves standing on a large board and propelling oneself forward using a long paddle with one blade. The action of propelling oneself across the water requires mindfulness and engagement of all the muscles, therefore paddling on the stand up paddle board provides a complete full body and core workout.

In addition, a SUP board can be also used to practice yoga, pilates, or fitness exercises on it, and even to fish.

Therefore, there are many disciplines of stand up paddleboarding including: SUP racing, SUP touring, SUP surfing, SUP yoga, SUP pilates, SUP fitness, SUP foling, SUP white water, and some others.

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) equipment:

A SUP board is the main thing you need to practice Stand Up paddle boarding. SUP’s growth in popularity has been matched by an increased number of board shapers and producers. Currently, there is a bewildering number of boards available and — as with surfing — a plethora of different tail shapes and fin configurations too.

There are five basic types of SUP boards:

  • Surf/wave Stand-up paddle boards
  • SUP Yoga/Pilates/Fitness boards
  • All-around/touring SUP boards
  • Inflatable stand up paddle boards
  • Racing SUP boards

In addition, to do SUP you will need: SUP paddle, SUP leash, SUP fin, PFD (Personal Flotation Device), which will help to keep you afloat and it will offer you some time to recover from your fall, and SUP clothing.

Learn more about SUP gear in a separate article on the Windy.app blog.

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) spots:

SUP is also an amazing way to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors as it can be practiced in many different bodies of water, such as oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, river rapids, ponds, harbors, large indoor pools, etc.

If you are planning a SUP trip, you might want to check out some of the world’s best spots for Stand Up paddle boarding, such as:

Learning Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP):

At first glance it seems that you can learn SUP on your own and in a short time. It really is. Also, as Stand Up paddle boarding has become such a popular water sport, it is fairly easy to find SUP equipment rental companies all around the world.

However, when paddling for the first time in a new location, it is always a good idea to hire a local certified SUP instructor so that you can benefit from his knowledge of this sport and the area where you will do it together. SUP school or SUP camp is also a great way to find like-minded people.

For example, if you ever choose Ibiza, Spain, as your next SUP destination, make sure to get in touch with Paddle Surf Spain and SUP YogaPilates, Ibiza island-based organizations founded by local Stand up paddle surf professionals and lovers with many years of experience.

Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP) safety rules

In general, Stand Up paddleboarding (SUP) is a very accessible and safe activity. However, as it is practiced on the water, you must keep a safety-conscious attitude when getting ready for your SUP practice and during it. Here are some safety tips that will help you to enjoy a brilliant and safe paddle.

  • Choose the right SUP location according to the weather forecast
  • Evaluate the environment for SUP paddling
  • Check that your SUP equipment is in good condition
  • Pack your dry bag with your SUP essentials
  • Be mindful and know your limits

Learn more about SUP safety rules in a separate article on the Windy.app blog.

Text: Ana “Shankara” Santos, a certified SUP, SUP Yoga and SUP Pilates instructor by the Spanish Federation of Surf (Fesurf Federación Española de Surf, FES) and the International Surfing Association (ISA) based on the Ibiza Island, Spain. She is a founder of Paddle Surf Spain and SUP YogaPilates. They provide a wide range of stand up paddle boarding activities from events and classes to holidays, camps and tours. Natalia Kirasheva and Ivan Kuznetsov contributed to this guide

Four Types of Yoga you have to try

Posted on by Ana Santos

Four Types of Yoga you have to try

Full Moon SUP Experience in Ibiza:

Don’t panic if you are bored of your regular Yoga class, here are 4 Yoga modalities that you have to try that will breath new life into your Yoga practice.
Yoga has become one of the most popular forms of meditation and exercise in the United States. But Yoga isn’t just big in the US, it is very popular all across the globe. The Yoga industry is booming and instructors are exploring different ways to modify traditional Yoga practices.

1. SUP Yoga

Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is a very popular hobby for those that are lucky enough to have warm weather. Stand-Up Paddle Surf is a good exercise that requires a combination of balance and strength. This makes it the perfect partner for Yoga. SUP Yoga was born in California and it is one of the fastest growing forms of Yoga.

Paddleboard Yoga offers a fun yet intense core based workout that also improves balance and flexibility. If you enjoy Yoga and the ocean then we’re confident you will fall in love with SUP Yoga.

2. Doga

Doga is definitely unconventional and traditionalists may well struggle to wrap their heads around this one. Hoswever, those that practice it love it. It can be described as partner Yoga with man’s best friend . It is a great stress reliever for both you and your dog.

This form of Yoga enhances the relationship between owner and dog and it also has many other social benefits. Therefore, if you don’t currently have a dog then this might just be the excuse you needed to get one.

3. UP Flying Yoga

This type of Yoga can be described as doing Yoga in the clouds. UP flying Yoga is practiced with the help of a soft aerial hammock.  It incorporates core strengthening, alignment, flexibility and meditation all into one practice. Quite simply, UP flying Yoga puts a fun spin on traditional Yoga by incorporating a sense of freedom by utilizing flight. It is a Yoga practice that can be enjoyed by both young and old.

4. Aqua Yoga

Aqua Yoga features all of the components of regular Yoga, the only difference being that it is practiced in water.

Water is a great medium to do exercise in. It is a low impact environment that creates adequate resistance that varies based on your strength levels.

Both young and old can practice Aqua Yoga. You don’t have to be a good swimmer to practice it as floating devices are used to help those that aren’t naturally comfortable in the water. Aqua Yoga offers great physical and spiritual benefits. If you are looking for a new way to experience Yoga, then definitely give Aqua Yoga a try.

Whatever type of Yoga you’re looking to try this year we’re hoping this quick guide has helped show you the Yoga modalities that are available to you. Whether you want to try your hand at a completely new type of Yoga for the first time or are a relative beginner, you shouldn’t let anything stand in your way. If you’re looking for some tips, then following a Yoga book can help you get started. Kensho way have an excellent guide reviewing the best Yoga books here

Pregnancy SUP Yoga

Posted on by Ana Santos

Pregnancy SUP Yoga

Pregnancy SUP Yoga: Learn about its practice, benefits & risks

Exercise is probably the last thing on any expecting mother’s mind. While pregnancy can be an exciting time for most women, it does come with its fair share of challenges. Most women would like to sit back and relax at home. However, there’s a lot that a pregnant woman can gain from regular exercise and physical activity, including Pregnancy SUP Yoga.
Stand-up Paddle Surf (SUP) Yoga is becoming an increasingly popular form of exercise worldwide. Everyone from all walks of life can practice it – even expecting mothers and their spouses. This article looks at the benefits of Pregnancy SUP Yoga. Additionally, it highlights tips on how you can start a SUP Yoga practice safely and properly.
Keep scrolling through for more details!
What Is SUP Yoga?

Before telling you the benefits of SUP Yoga, let’s first take a look at what it is.

SUP is a practice that’s been around for hundreds of years. It was recently re-popularized by a group of Waikiki beach boys in Hawaii and continues to be enjoyed by many to this day.

As the name suggests, SUP Yoga is essentially the practice of doing yoga poses while on a stand-up paddle board. It’s ideally done on tranquil waters such as lakes, harbors, or bays. Practitioners claim that it can help improve balance, focus, and strength. Benefits of SUP Yoga for Pregnant Women

Besides being an incredible form of exercise, Pregnancy SUP Yoga has a myriad of benefits that should interest expecting mothers.

  • Relieve Stress Stress is a normal part of everyday life. And while there’s often a purpose for why you feel stressed, excessive or chronic stress can lead to a spike in your blood pressure—which isn’t good for you or your baby. SUP yoga is an effective way to relieve chronic or excessive stress, helping you feel more relaxed and focused. When you’re standing on a paddle board, you need to keep your attention on the here and now. Otherwise, you might fall off and get soaked in the water. SUP yoga forces you to focus on the present moment instead of living in the future or past. This also reduces the stress and pressure that you feel as an expecting mother.
  • Strengthens the Core Muscles

    Having strong and healthy core muscles during pregnancy can save you from painful back issues. It may even help make pushing during childbirth easier and hasten your recovery process after birth. SUP yoga targets abdominal muscles, as well as other areas of the body. This results in improved strength, balance, and even flexibility.

  • Improves Balance Falls during pregnancy is not unheard of. Many pregnant women experience falls due to hormonal imbalances and other conditions that typically come with pregnancy. Therefore, improving your balance and strength is key to avoiding falls while you’re carrying a baby in your belly. SUP Yoga strengthens your core, legs, and hips, making it easier for you to support your baby’s increasing weight. Not just that, it also improves your coordination, helping you maintain neuromuscular control and reducing your risk of falling.
  • Refines Yoga Skills If you’ve been an avid yoga practitioner, there comes a point where even the most challenging yoga poses can feel a little boring. A great way to mix things up is to combine your yoga practice with something new, like SUP. SUP Yoga challenges you in ways that are different from the usual yoga techniques. You need to be more focused, more balanced, and stronger if you want to stay atop your paddle board. As a result, you’ll have more refined yoga skills that you can use the next time you do normal yoga on land.
  • Reconnect with Nature SUP Yoga gives you an excuse to be outside and in nature. You can breathe in fresh air which can help you feel more relaxed and rejuvenated. It can also help you get your daily dose of vitamin D, an essential nutrient for your baby’s healthy development. If you have sensitive skin, it’s important to remember to practice sun protection while doing SUP Yoga. If possible, wear something that covers your arms and legs from the harmful rays of the sun. Additionally, remember to put on sunscreen before going out with your paddle board. Proper hydration is also important when you’re doing SUP Yoga, especially if you’re pregnant. Make sure to bring a bottle of clean drinking water with you while you’re at practice.
Risks of SUP Yoga for Pregnant Women

Just like all workouts, Pregnancy SUP Yoga has several risks that you should be aware of before starting the practice. These risks include the following:

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Fetal hyperthermia
  • Reduced oxygen availability
  • Maternal acute hypoglycemia
  • Musculoskeletal injury

To be safe, consult your physician prior to your first SUP Yoga session. Your physician can advise you on how to avoid possible risks and dangers of exercising while pregnant. Final Thoughts

If your goal is to stay fit and active during pregnancy, Pregnancy SUP Yoga is a great option to consider. Besides strengthening the body for childbirth, it also helps clear the mind of stress and worries that normally come with being pregnant. SUP YogaPilates offers a fun and interactive way for you to start practicing SUP Yoga.

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Article author: Katie Pierce