Want to workout during summer but can’t stand the idea of running or working out in the dry heat? Let me introduce to you, the coolest and easiest way to workout in summer… stand-up paddle boarding!

Rather than biking, running or hiking during summer, head to the beach or lake and join the world of stand-up paddle boarding. Believe it or not, stand-up paddle boarding has been around for years and is actually a professional sport. If you’ve tried it before and only have the sun to blame for your sweat then there are a few tips and tricks you can use to make sure that your time on the water counts as a whole body workout!

1. When paddling, try to do shorter strokes rather than great big long ones. When you do big long strokes you are forcing your arms to do all the work. If you do shorter strokes, you will find yourself in more of a squat position and in turn it will engage your core more. Shorter strokes will ensure that you engage your glutes, arms and core.
2. Keep your arms straight. If you find yourself bending your elbows a lot then your arms will be doing most of the work. By keeping your arms straight you will be forcing your core to engage and push you forward.
3. Try to paddle at a moderate rate. If you’re standup paddle boarding for a summer workout then try to paddle a little bit faster than a leisure paddle. By increasing your speed you will burn between 300-500 calories per hour, also increasing your cardio endurance.
4. If you’re brave and want to take it up a notch, then try to do a few squats on your board holding your paddle out in front of you.

Stand-up paddle boarding is so much fun and an activity you can do with the whole family. The boards are extremely buoyant and are available to rent almost everywhere. If you can’t imagine working out in the summer heat, we don’t blame you! Head down to the water with the family and have a go at stand up paddle boarding and see how much fun you can have!

If you are sporty sister looking for a comfy set of swimwear to go paddleboarding in, check out our top selections.