Build Core Strength This Winter
You need to make time a few days a week for yoga. Try to find a Yoga teacher that is qualified
Spend time increasing your leg strength as well. You can choose riding a bike in the fresh air or bike indoors.
Leg lunges are great, doing 200 to 300 sets. Then a few sets of leg dips and followed by 100 squats.
Motivation is the most important aspect of any cross training, and sometimes can be so difficult to ignite. There are lots of ways to stay motivated, but it is the initial push that is so difficult. For many people having a friend, partner, or support system to train and play your sport with makes cross training easier and more enjoyable. But for those who need to self- motivate, in order to be successful you must pick a training regimen that you are going to enjoy; that’s fun and puts a smile in your spirit. Once your mind is in focus you will look forward and be naturally motivated.
Before you begin you should acknowledge your strengths and abilities, and identify when to push yourself, and when to ease up. Being well-conditioned and strong, along with cat-like reactions can make you or break you.
Surfing is mostly upper body strength but your legs need to be strong as well. For those who haven’t been in the water lately, it is best to create a training program that is going to motivate you, and keep you motivated. I find music motivates people very easily.
Getting started
So if you can’t swim laps, bodysurf or body board three to four times a week, turn up a great music video, or dance music that will keep your focus. Turn off your cell phone, computer and any other distractions. Stand relaxed with good posture and move your arms in the freestyle stroke for at least 12-15 minutes, and yes! You can take a short 45- second break, but to build a strong upper body you should do this at least four to five times a week.
Surfing is wonderful, but it does tighten our bodies, so you need to make time a few days a week for yoga. To get started try to find a Yoga teacher that is qualified and teaches in the Asana methods which are drawn primarily from Lyengar, Ashtanga, Hatha Yoga and the uses Pranayama for your enhanced vitality. (You can also look up these methods online.)
Spend time increasing your leg strength as well. You can choose riding a push bike in the fresh air or bike indoors. Also, leg lunges are great, doing 200 to 300 sets. Then a few sets of leg dips and followed by 100 squats. If you live near the beach running up the sand hill backwards can warm up your body. People who have strong knees can train in soft sand, as I am a firm believer that your toes, feet and ankles play a key role for surfboard and rail control when surfing.
Also, if you live near the ocean or water SUP or Stand Up Paddling is such an excellent cross training for many sports. Paddle surfing started back in the 1940’s by the Waikiki Beach Boys on Oahu. They would use their outrigger paddles to “paddle surf” their big boards around the visitors. Today, Stand Up Paddling is the fastest growing water sport on the planet due to its easy learning curve. It’s best to get at least one lesson or go to www.C4Waterman.com and Learn from Brian Keaulana, Dave Parmenter and Todd Bradley with their great video of Stand Up Paddle Surfing Hawaiian Style “How-To Volume 1 Basic to Intermediate.”
For people who don’t live close to water or want another fun way to cross train, the Indo Board balance trainer helps develop balance, coordination, and increase leg strength, while enhancing and improving motor skills which help you to stay on your game in the ocean or in the snow.
The snow is falling and the waves are calling… Don’t wait another day! By increasing your core strength, you will improve your board sport abilities and ultimately have more fun doing what you already love.
