Whether you are new to surfing or are well-known at the local surf shop, you work major muscles each time you catch a wave. Surfing is an outstanding physical activity because it engages almost every muscle while providing a cardiovascular workout. Take a moment to learn how surfing exercises the body to help you fine-tune your surf-related workout regimen.

Top 5 Body Parts You Exercise During Surfing

1. Biceps & Triceps

As you paddle out past the surf line, your biceps and triceps, or arm muscles are in high gear. Pulling yourself further out to sea as the water comes inward provides a resistance workout that also benefits the deltoids (shoulders) and upper back muscles to give you a more sculpted upper body.

2. Abdominals

Think back to your first surf lesson through the local surf shop. You probably learned how core strength is essential to maintaining your balance during surfing, whether popping up to catch a wave or riding it to the end. Turning the board as you ride also requires core muscle strength including the abdominals and obliques.

3. Hamstrings & Quadriceps

Your hamstrings and quadriceps actively engage from the moment you pop up on your board and remain active through every bottom turn, roundhouse cutback, or other famous surfing moves.

4. Gluteus Maximus

The gluteus maximus does the most work when you pop up to ride the next wave. These muscles are also engaged any time you are swimming back to your board or the coastline.

5. Heart

The heart muscle enjoys a healthy workout during every surfing session. Despite its classification as a low-impact activity, surfing allows you to keep your heart rate at 65%-85% or higher for hours at a time.
 

If you are looking for private surf lessons or require surfboard rentals and accessories, visit LahAina Surf Shack on Maui. The local surf shop and surf school serves Lahaina, HI and offers seasonal camps, after-school programs, and community surf on the shores next to Front St. Free 24-hour board rental comes with each lesson. Call the surf shop and school today at (808) 661-2700 or visit their website to learn more about lessons. Stay up to date on the latest community news on their Facebook.