What Muscles Does Paddle Boarding Work?

Stand up paddle boarding is a relaxing and sociable activity, enjoyed by millions of people across the globe. As it looks so tranquil (and it is!), many people often question, is paddleboarding good exercise?The answer to the question is an easy “yes”. SUPing provides a fully body workout, offering strength training as well as boosting cardio. In short, it’s really good for your fitness levels, but what muscles does paddle boarding work specifically? 

There are 11 muscles that are used when you stand up paddle board. These are:

• Abs
• Lats
• Rhomboid
• Hamstring
• Traps 
• Biceps
• Triceps
• Quadriceps
• Rotator cuffs
• Heart
• Lungs

The main muscle groups that are worked are:

Core

One of the key groups to mention when discussing “what muscles does paddle boarding work” is the core, although this is often overlooked. When you paddle, you engage your core in order to stay balanced and gain power to use in the stroke. The main muscles that are engaged in your core when paddling are your abs and your obliques which sit on either side of your abs. Doing ab exercises off the board, will help to improve your balance and power when you’re out on the water.