Surfing is a very physically demanding activity, so following a surf fitness program is a great way to drop pounds and get in shape. There are many types of surfing exercise because surfers must have strong upper and lower bodies, solid cores, and good cardiovascular fitness. There are plenty of exercises you can do outside of the water, and then you can follow them up with actual surfing. What could be better than getting fit while riding waves?

Check out this article for more ideas on fitness training through surfing exercise:

… did you know that there are five dimensions to surf fitness? That’s five different types of exercises to help you get the most out of your precious time in the water…

The Five Types of Surfing Exercise

1. Cardiovascular: while brute strength has its place in surf training, you also need to be able to endure long periods of exertion …

2. Core stability: … almost all of your time is spent resisting the force of the water, so it’s critical for your abs and back muscles to be in good shape…

3. Upper body: you use your chest and shoulders quite a bit while surfing, especially when paddling and when popping up to ride a wave…

4. Flexibility and mobility: … will allow you to accomplish more on your board. You can do simple stretching exercises almost anywhere, and yoga is an option for a more structured activity…

5. Lower body and balance: strengthening your lower body will help you balance on your board and make more advanced moves … Examples of lower body surfing exercises are squats, lunges, hip abductions and adductions, and calf raises.

To learn even more about the five types of surfing exercises, including details on training schedules and specific drills, see this comprehensive surf fitness program developed by a licensed trainer.