Paddleboard yoga fuses stand-up paddleboarding with yoga to create a fun workout that can help you break out of your normal fitness routine.
It may seem intimidating at first, but as long as you're away from rocky areas, the worst thing that will happen is falling in the water.
Here are five good reasons to try paddleboard yoga:
You'll be out of the studio and in a natural setting.
Yoga can reduce stress no matter where you practice it, but in a natural setting, you'll be able to feel the sun and breeze, breathe in fresh air, hear birds chirping and feel the gentle movement of your paddleboard on the water. The result is an even more relaxing, meditative experience.
It provides added focus.
Doing yoga on a paddleboard demands mindfulness and focus. The thought of falling in the water will help you maintain your focus more than you ordinarily might.
It's more challenging than traditional yoga.
Since you'll be standing on an unstable board, you'll have to work harder to maintain your balance. As a result, your core will get a more challenging workout.
It improves your yoga technique.
Paddleboard yoga can help you refine your yoga technique. If you're a little bit off in performing a posture, you'll immediately know it as your board starts to lean to one side.
It relieves boredom.
Getting outside and on the paddleboard is fun, so you're likely to want to try it again. You may get bored with your normal workout routine, but the setting and small fear of falling in help keep paddleboard yoga interesting.
If you're ready to give paddleboard yoga a try, check out these metro Atlanta classes:
High Country Outfitters, Locations in Buckhead, Marietta, Midtown and Sandy Springs. 404-977-2523.
Classes last for 90 minutes, and participants are asked to arrive 20 minutes early. They begin with basic instruction on how to properly use a paddleboard and transition into a yoga class. A high-end board, paddle and life vest are provided. If you're new to yoga, contact the instructor in advance so you can meet to go over some basic yoga postures.
Infinity Yoga, three metro locations in Brookhaven, Dunwoody and Old Fourth Ward.
Classes are 90 minutes long and start with instruction on how to use a paddleboard and paddle. They accommodate different yoga styles and are appropriate for all levels of students. Classes meet in the parking lot at Morgan Falls Overlook Park, and participants are asked to come 15 minutes early.
Balanced Studios – Soulful Yoga, 280 Hammond Drive, Sandy Springs. 678-662-7946.
Both a 90-minute basic stand-up paddleboard and yoga class and a sunset class are offered on either the Chattahoochee River or Lake Lanier, depending on conditions. Classes include a board, paddle, leash and personal flotation device. No experience is required, but you do need to know how to swim. If you find that you love paddleboard yoga and want to teach others, teacher training classes are also available.
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