Is surfing a good workout? Surfing is reasonably aerobic: You are moving large muscle groups enough to increase your oxygen consumption during the paddling portions, as well as while carrying your board up the beach, running out into the surf, and somewhat while shifting your weight on the board. It’s also a great core workout. In holding your upper body forward of your legs and in an extended position, you work the deepest abdominal support muscles necessary to shift forces from your feet up through your arms.
Despite the fact that you may not have a six-pack, chances are that if you’re a competent surfer, you’ve probably developed your inner abdominal core and will be less likely to endure back injuries than most. Surfing also allows you to develop local muscular stamina through holding your quads in a flexed position, as well as some rotational flexibility and strength in pulling turns. Plus you get a nice salty patina to your hair in time, which has to count for something.
While surfing can be very fun to participate in, it can also provide you with many exercise benefits. Whether you’re interested in increasing your strength, balance or flexibility, surfing may be perfect for you. 
Improved Balance
Among the top exercise benefits connected with surfing is the improvement that it creates in your balance. In order to stay on the surfboard, you must have a strong capacity to maintain your balance. This skill rollovers into everyday life. While it may not seem particularly important while you’re young, having a good sense of balance is progressively important as you age. If you can create a good sense of balance while you’re young, you will be able to maintain this ability as you age and protect yourself from falls, breaks and fractures.
Increased Flexibility
Surfing can also help to improve your flexibility. Increased flexibility is necessary in that it can not only help to make you a better surfer, but can also aid in the prevention of injuries both on and off the surfboard. If you have a low degree of flexibility, and reach for something on a high counter, chances are that you will pull a muscle in your back. On the other hand, if you have more flexibility, you will be able to reach that top shelf effortlessly.
Increased Strength
Another good exercise reward related to surfing is an increase in your strength. This comes primarily from paddling your surfboard out into the ocean, and leads to the increased muscle mass and strength in your arms, shoulders and chest. High muscle mass is important for a lot of reasons. It increases your ability to do your activities of daily living. High muscle mass leads to an increase in your metabolic rate, thereby increasing calorie burn throughout the day. This can help you accomplish weight loss goals, and can aid in the treatment and prevention of obesity.
Improved Cardiovascular Fitness
Some of the most important benefits linked with surfing is the improvement in your cardiovascular system. Your cardiovascular system is composed of your heart, along with the veins and arteries that work to bring blood to and from the heart. Strengthening your cardiovascular system can help improve shortness of breath, fatigue and even prevent heart attacks. Research has found that the best way to improve your cardiovascular system is by taking part in activities such as walking, swimming or surfing that stress your heart and the accessory organs.
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