If this article peeked your interest, chances are high that you might be a senior citizen, or enjoying some new found freedom to focus on your fitness. If you’re feeling a bit stuck in your daily routine and have an urge to find a new way to get a pump, then it’s time to step off the court and into a world of adventure. Stand up paddleboarding is an exciting activity that is perfect for seniors, offering low impact exercise and a whole lot of fun. Plus, you can even bring along the grandkids! Let’s take a look at why stand up paddleboarding is even better than Pickleball (or if you won't concede, a great activity in addition to)!
Perk up that Cross Step!
Balance and hip strength are two key components of staying healthy as a senior citizen and getting across the pickleball court to smash that ball. Stand up paddleboarding helps to improve both balance and hip strength through its core-engaging movement style. Whether you choose to stand, kneel, or sit back and relax with the Kayak Conversion kit on your board, you will be improving your balance and strengthening your hips each time you paddle out.
Build your Cardio
The other great thing about stand up paddleboarding is that it offers low impact cardio exercise. You can build your upper body and back, especially while inflating your blow up Board, unless you want to get straight to the enjoyable part with a rechargable battery pump. Unlike running or jogging, stand up paddleboarding is much easier on the joints while still providing a good workout. If you’re looking for something active without all the strain on your body, so if you are nursing an injury or looking for something fun to do on your off-day, this sport is definitely worth trying. All the heart health, none of the knee pain.
Your Family can join you!
In addition to being low impact and great for balance, stand up paddleboarding also offers an opportunity for social interaction with friends and family – especially if those friends happen to be grandchildren! The beauty of this sport is that it doesn’t matter how old you are; anyone can participate in stand up paddleboarding regardless of their age or physical ability level. I know technically the same can be said about Pickleball, but come on... just trying to get a court time and a decent opponent is tough. With your SUP you don't need a reservation, just go! To make it even easier to get out to the water, consider investing in an inflatable board made with CX technology – these boards are incredibly lightweight yet sturdy enough to handle being drive over by an excavator. I wouldn't try that with a pickleball racquet!