WALKING ON WATER
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ot summer days on the lake do not need to be lazy. Instead, let’s get out on the water and reap some health and fitness benefits while taking in the abundance and beauty of nature. As the result of the pandemic, water sports and activities have become more popular than ever. Water sports are more individualized and can be conducted in a socially distanced manner. Paddleboards have been around for a very long time but are used more often in warmer climates along the east coast, mainly in the ocean. They are put into motion by paddling (swimming) using hands and arms lying prone or kneeling. Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP) are longer and wider and have a flatter bottom to accommodate balance while standing. A paddle is used to put the board in motion. Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) has recently become popular in our area; it is one of the safest, low impact, fun sports you can do. It is also one of the best sports you can do for staying healthy and happy, mentally and physically. There are so many positive benefits of SUP, (including burning a lot of calories) but I would like to focus on how it improves your mental health and core strength. Balance is the key requirement to standing on the board; your core must be fully engaged. Your core, back and abdominal muscles are constantly at work to maintain balance. Our core is the center of all movement. Having a strong core helps in every aspect of our lives, from daily chores to walking/ running and all sports activities. The more you practice paddle boarding the more your overall core strength and balance will improve.
Madeleine Mackarey gets instruction from Jackie Kerekes at Lake Sheridan.
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Water has a calm, soothing effect. Taking in the beauty and tranquility of your surroundings helps you to release any negative energy you may be harboring. Being out on the water helps clear your mind, and therefore, reduces stress and anxiety. This setting provides an optimum environment for meditation. Since so much balance is required, you must mentally and physically focus on balance in order to stay on the board. When you make yourself aware of every move on the paddleboard it puts you in a “flow” state of mind. This “flow” state has been shown to improve mood and focus and improves memory and creativity. What are you waiting for? Get out on a board today and experience what it feels like to “walk on water!” H –Jackie Kerekes/The Training Loft (570) 332-8519 The Training Loft offers SUP workout sessions individually or with a partner. Schedule your session @thetrainingloftllc@gmail.com. Jackie Kerekes is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and a NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist. She has taught a variety of classes including kickboxing, fat burn pilates, spin, barre, strength training, Bosu bootcamps, TRX, and POUND. Additionally, she designed a class named F.I.T. Factor (Functional Interval Training), a HIIT training class. H
HappeningsPA.com
July 2021
