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Escarpment Magazine Summer 2013
Your core has two functions while you are on your SUP board; static
postural control and stroke power. When standing on your board, gen-
tly draw your belly button away from your waistband and squeeze the
muscles in your pelvis that would stop your urine flow or hold in gas.
This inner system is responsible for postural stability. As you place your
paddle into the water to take a stroke, exhale your breath and rotate
your trunk using your obliques while at the same time increasing the
contraction of your inner system. This is your core working as a unit to
increase the power of your stroke. Throw in the challenge of stabilizing
while absorbing waves or performing lunges. Even the most fit athletes
may lack a proper core foundation and will find themselves in the water.
SUP constantly challenges the neuromuscular system to respond more
efficiently to perturbations. For example, beginner paddlers will experi-
ence stiff and sore feet and calves as they are in a state of constant con-
traction trying tomaintain stability on the board. Once the neuromuscular
system becomes more efficient with the messages going back and forth
from the muscles and joints to the brain, we are able to relax and put our
energy into the paddle strokes instead of bracing to keep balanced.
SUP is a very low impact, symmetrical activity that promotes functional
strengthening as we are forced to work our whole body as a unit. This
sport can therefore have benefits for those with chronic low back issues,
joint replacements, and even mild neurological disease. It is a fantastic
method of cross-training for any athlete or even as a means of rehabil-
itating from knee surgeries or ankle sprains.
Most importantly it is a sport that has a quick learning curve and can
be enjoyed by the whole family. At
Two The Core
we are proud to have
been the first in this area to bring fitness and rehabilitation to the board.
We embrace every individual success with this sport from getting up for
the first time to performing a headstand. We encourage everyone to
give it a try. It is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding outdoor fit-
ness activities that this area has to offer.
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ESCARPMENT OUTDOORS
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stand up summer
Robyn Allen and Sarah Bright are the owners/operators of Two The Core in Thornbury.
For further information visit
