Get in Shape for Windsurfing

windsurfing workout 

You will get a good windsurfing workout when you windsurf, however, the better shape you are in the easier time you will have as you learn this great sport. When your muscles are toned and you are in good physical condition your endurance will keep you out on the water longer because you will feel less tired. Being in good shape will also help to prevent injuries associated with muscle strain.

It is very important that you always stretch before and after you windsurf to keep your muscles relaxed. Relaxed muscle function for top performance. There are many different techniques and much advise available on what you can do to maintain good muscle tone and conditioning to windsurf. Here we will cover what a great workout should include.

Windsurfing Muscle Toning

If you live in an area where windsurfing is seasonal or you can only get out on the water less that 3 times per week, you need to supplement your physical conditioning. Most of us don't have much free time to workout but there are simple 30 minute routines that you can do at home, three times per week, to get a good workout. The other days of the week you can work on your cardio by bike riding, using a treadmill, jogging around your neighborhood, or whatever you choose to reasonably get your heart rate up.

Going to a gym is fine as long as you focus on conditioning rather than bodybuilding. Your workout should focus on flexibility and strengthening your legs and hips. Good exercises include variations of squats and lunges. Jumping rope is also very effective, as are any jumping and landing variations. Your workout should also address your hamstrings and glutes to keep everything balanced.

Working on The Core and Upper Body Areas

Your core area is your lower-back, abdomen, and hip muscles. These muscles should be in condition as you twist and turn while controlling your board. It is important to maintain core strength to help prevent injury. Good core stability will also help you stay balanced and on your board more. Doing crunches with your feet on an exercise ball is an excellent core strengthening regime. Remember to do crunches slowly and focus to use only your stomach/abdominal muscles not your back.

While you have the ball it is a good idea to lean over it and do a good body stretch. This will relax your back and upper-body muscles. Now you need to work on your upper-body strength which will help with endurance and overall balance. A good windsurfing workout to strengthen your upper body should include pull-ups or lighter-weight repetitions on the bench press. This is meant to balance out the workout for overall strength not build large muscles.

Determine a workout that you feel comfortable with and exercise three times per week for 20 to 40 minutes each session. Do short repetitions of each exercise and later work up to 10 or 12 in each round. Cover all the important areas but remember to start out slowly. Do only the amount that you are comfortable with. Don't push it and you will gradually build as your strength improves. Always stretch before and after any exercise routine. Go through your entire program four to five times during each workout. You will have more endurance, balance, and fun on the water.

Resources:
http://player.clipsyndicate.com/view/5897/611410?cpt=8&wpid=3933http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article2277543.ecehttp://www.pritchardwindsurfing.com/content/view/330/38/ http://windsurfingmag.com/
http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com/ http://www.boardseekermag.com/windsurfing_fitness/index_012.htm http://www.totalwindsurfingfitness.com/
http://360guide.info/surfing/stand-up-paddling-workout.html?Itemid=92 http://en.allexperts.com/q/Surfing-Windsurfing-2074/offseason-workout.htmhttp://www.ikiteboarding.com/kiteboarding/articles/standup-paddle-surfing.aspx