SUP YOGA
Originating in ancient India, yoga is something that has quickly spread throughout the Western world. Especially towards the beginning of the 20th century, the activity grew, and we eventually developed a modern form of yoga in the 1980s. Now, anybody who wants to get involved in this spiritual, physical, and mental exercise has lots of options.
With yoga retreats in Italy, for example, you’re likely to come across many of the following;
• Kundalini
• Vinyasa
• Hatha
• Ashtanga
• Hot
• Bikram
• Kundalini
• Vinyasa
• Hatha
• Ashtanga
• Hot
• Bikram
Even after this, we could consider Iyengar and Kripalu yoga. To get children involved, we’ve seen the introduction of musical mats, flash cards, yoga Pictionary, and more. However, there’s one type of yoga that has caught our eye above all others; SUP yoga.
What’s SUP Yoga?
• Downward-Facing Dog
• Corpse Pose
• Cat-Cow Combination
If we tell you that SUP stands for stand-up paddleboard, this probably conjured dozens of images in your mind…and you’re absolutely right. Of course, we aren’t about to suggest yoga while trying to surf the waves. Instead, you’ll be on calm water such as a slow river or lake. By incorporating poses from hatha and vinyasa yoga, this form is truly unique because you’ll need to master the art of balance as the board moves under your feet.
Although yoga has roots tied to India, the early days of SUP yoga are thought to come from Hawaii. Over the years, it has become more popular around the Western world and common poses while on the board include;
• Child’s Pose• Downward-Facing Dog
• Corpse Pose
• Cat-Cow Combination
For those with a little more experience, they may attempt the warrior pose or even the tree pose. You won’t be forced into any poses that make you feel uncomfortable, so you can really take control of your own yoga session.
Why Choose SUP Yoga?
These days, more and more Italy yoga retreats are offering SUP yoga and it’s not hard to see why. While balancing on a mat in a room, you need to focus on balance, but there are no consequences if you fall. While on a mat on a board in the water, you’re suddenly focusing all your efforts on flexibility, balance, strength, and everything else not to fall. Even with the simplest asanas, it requires concentration and effort beyond regular yoga.
For experienced yogis, SUP yoga is a great way to take your body to the next level. As you can imagine, this is an extreme workout for the core; however, it’s not so extreme as to be inaccessible for beginners.
As you maintain balance on the board, you’ll feel everything from the back muscles, quadriceps, buttocks, and abdominals working hard just to keep you upright. Once you’ve got to grips with the whole idea and you manage your balance well, we also have the mental benefit of being on the water.
These days, more and more Italy yoga retreats are offering SUP yoga and it’s not hard to see why. While balancing on a mat in a room, you need to focus on balance, but there are no consequences if you fall. While on a mat on a board in the water, you’re suddenly focusing all your efforts on flexibility, balance, strength, and everything else not to fall. Even with the simplest asanas, it requires concentration and effort beyond regular yoga.
For experienced yogis, SUP yoga is a great way to take your body to the next level. As you can imagine, this is an extreme workout for the core; however, it’s not so extreme as to be inaccessible for beginners.
As you maintain balance on the board, you’ll feel everything from the back muscles, quadriceps, buttocks, and abdominals working hard just to keep you upright. Once you’ve got to grips with the whole idea and you manage your balance well, we also have the mental benefit of being on the water.
With yoga retreats in Italy, you’re likely to come across wonderful scenery and picturesque views that’ll stay with you for many years to come. Once you get over the new physical challenge, you’ll have stunning views and the natural element of water providing a profound experience. As the sun sets and the colours of the sky change, some are overcome with emotion with SUP yoga. The gentle rocking of the water, the warm glow of the day’s last sunlight, and the yoga itself combine to free the body, free the mind, and get as close to total relaxation as humanly possible.
Can I Try SUP Yoga?
In our experience, far too many people reject the idea of SUP yoga because they feel it’s reserved for experts who have been practicing the art for many decades…this isn’t the case. If you do have plenty of experience and you’re looking for a new challenge, SUP yoga and an Italy yoga retreat will be perfect (you can also enjoy the beautiful landscapes and stunning cuisine!).
Yet, there’s no reason why those with little experience can’t join the fun. As long as you know the basic asanas (postures), you’ll get on absolutely fine. Once you get out onto the water, you’ll realise that the water itself is calm and the board is bigger than you imagined. Let’s not forget, this isn’t a skateboard-sized board. Instead, you’ll be on a ten or even twelve-foot board.
Benefits of SUP Yoga
Just in case you need any more reason to try SUP yoga on an Italy yoga retreat, here are some added benefits!
Improve Your Form
Firstly, doing yoga on a paddleboard is a great way to correct little mistakes in your posture. With one slight movement, you’ll end up going for a swim. During even one session, you’ll learn which movements help to keep you balanced and which do the opposite.
Just in case you need any more reason to try SUP yoga on an Italy yoga retreat, here are some added benefits!
Improve Your Form
Firstly, doing yoga on a paddleboard is a great way to correct little mistakes in your posture. With one slight movement, you’ll end up going for a swim. During even one session, you’ll learn which movements help to keep you balanced and which do the opposite.
Full Workout
Stable Breathing
No Distractions
Unique Sessions
Book your yoga retreat in Italy today and SUP yoga will also offer;
• Time in the great outdoors
• Improved flexibility
• A sense of empowerment
• Time with nature
• A chance to slow down
• Mindfulness, peace, and FUN
When most people try SUP yoga, they feel it the next day. As you fight for balance, you’ll be working your abs, glutes, quads, hamstrings, back muscles, and more. With all these muscles aching the next day, you’ll know the yoga session was a success.
Stable Breathing
As with form, you’ll also need to master stable and consistent breathing in order to stay upright. As your yoga teacher may explain, breathing is essential to improve blood flow. As circulation increases, you can prevent heart disease, hypertension, high blood pressure, and a wealth of other health problems.
No Distractions
When on the water, what’s going to distract you? Absolutely nothing. You can focus on your mind and body with no phone, children, TV, or whatever else normally causes a problem. With this in mind, you have no option but to be present in the moment.
Unique Sessions
With each SUP yoga session, you’ll experience something unique. Why? Because the wind, weather, and water conditions will always be different.
Book your yoga retreat in Italy today and SUP yoga will also offer;
• Time in the great outdoors
• Improved flexibility
• A sense of empowerment
• Time with nature
• A chance to slow down
• Mindfulness, peace, and FUN
