How Wakesurfing Enhances Balance and Core Strength

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How Wakesurfing Enhances Balance and Core Strength

If you’re after a fun way to dramatically improve your balance and core strength…

You need to try wakesurfing.

On the surface, wakesurfing looks like a cool way to hang out on a boat and shred a wake. But in reality, it’s a total game-changer when it comes to fitness, especially your core.

The problem…

Well, the problem is that most people have no idea just how effective it is. When people are told that they can build a stronger core and improve their balance by wakesurfing, they always think it’s a little crazy.

But here’s the deal…

You don’t need to hit the gym and lift crazy weights to see improvements in your core. In fact, with studies finding that water exercises can lead to a greater increase in balance, strength and cardiorespiratory health, compared to land based exercise. Combine that with the unique nature of wakesurfing, and you have an effective workout to target your core.

Let’s jump in and check out exactly what happens when you wakesurf. By the end, you’ll be itching to get out there and put it all into practice.

What you’ll discover:

• Why Wakesurfing Is Ideal For Core Workouts
• How Water Balance Training Works
• Synergistic Muscle Groups On The Wave
• Wakesurfing Benefits For Your Core

Why Wakesurfing Is Ideal For Core Workouts

Here’s something about wakesurfing that most people don’t get…

It’s a full-body stability workout that doesn’t stop.

Unlike in the gym, where you do a set and rest, with wakesurfing, your core is engaged throughout your entire ride on the wave. Your muscles are always working to stabilize your body, and keep you upright.

But wait, there’s more. The boat’s wake provides an unstable surface that’s constantly shifting under you. One moment you might be carving to the left, then you need to adjust for a steeper part of the wave.

Your core needs to react instantly.

When you’re just getting started, it can be a big help to buy some of the best wakesurf boards to boost your performance. The right board will provide more stability, while still offering a challenge for your core.

Here’s a quick analogy to explain what’s going on.

Traditional core exercises train your muscles in a linear way. Wakesurfing forces them to react to dynamic, unpredictable changes.

That’s what builds true functional strength.

How Water Balance Training Works

Here is a fact at you that will make your eyes pop…

A recent study showed that water based exercises provided better outcomes for improvements in mobility, pain and quality of life, compared to land based exercise.

That’s big news for those of you trying to improve your balance and core strength.

But what makes water so much more effective?

Well, water creates natural resistance from every angle. When you wakesurf, every move you make has to overcome more effort than on land. Your muscles need to work harder to maintain your position and create power.

Instability is another huge factor. Your core muscles are designed to stabilize your spine, and transfer force between your upper and lower body. On a wakesurf board, they’re working overtime.

Now for the really cool part…

Research on swimmers found that specific performance improved by more than 1 second with core stability training, in a 50m sprint. Now, wakesurfing isn’t swimming, but there are similarities.

Your deep stabilizing muscles, the ones that really matter for good posture and injury prevention, get a killer workout with every session.

Synergistic Muscle Groups On The Wave

Ok, what’s really happening in your body, when you’re out there wakesurfing?

Picture a group of muscles working together, in a perfectly coordinated dance.

Your rectus abdominis muscles, the famous “six-pack”, are all about keeping your torso stable when you lean into your turns. Your obliques are working hard, as you rotate your body to carve your path on the wave.

Here’s a little secret…

The real heroes are your deep core muscles. Your transverse abdominis muscles are like your built-in weight belt, compressing your spine and creating a stable platform for all movement.

Even your diaphragm has a role to play. The muscle you use to breathe is a major stabilizer in your core. Holding your breath, as you find the perfect angle for a tricky section, is adding to your stability.

It’s this combined action of many different muscles that creates what researchers call “functional core strength”. Instead of isolating one muscle at a time, as you would in a crunch or leg raise. Wakesurfing trains your entire core to function as a unit.

Pretty amazing, huh?

Wakesurfing Benefits For Your Core

Ok, here’s the deal with wakesurfing and how it affects your body…

The benefits are not just about having fun on the water.

Better Balance In Everyday Life

One of the first things you’ll notice after a few sessions, is that your balance on dry land improves, a lot. Walking on uneven ground is easier. You’re less likely to feel wobbly or trip over your feet.

Studies have shown that balance training has a large effect on improving core endurance and stability. Wakesurfing provides this training in a way that is far more exciting than traditional exercises.

Improved Functional Core Strength

Your core strength increases, but in a way that is directly related to real life situations. Lifting heavy items becomes much easier. Your posture improves, naturally. Back pain decreases, and sometimes even goes away completely.

Here’s why: Wakesurfing strengthens your core using movement patterns that you actually use in your daily life. Instead of isolated crunches, you’re training your core to provide stability and generate power at the same time.

Enhanced Athletic Performance

Whether you play other sports, or just want to feel more athletic. Wakesurfing helps. The core stability you build translates to almost any other physical activity you do.

Researchers have found that water based training led to greater improvements in strength, flexibility, balance and adherence, compared to land based training.

Injury Prevention

A strong, stable core protects your spine and decreases the risk of injuries in other activities. The functional strength you build with wakesurfing helps correct muscle imbalances that often lead to problems.

The majority of back injuries are caused by people having weak cores that aren’t able to deal with sudden movements and impacts. Wakesurfing builds exactly the kind of strength that prevents these issues.

How to Get Started Building a Stronger Core

Ready to build some serious core strength, while having the time of your life?

It’s best to start with shorter sessions and just work on staying up on the wave, before you start trying tricks. The very act of maintaining your balance will work your core extremely hard.

Pay attention to your posture, keeping your chest up, shoulders back and actively engaging your core muscles. Take things slow, and gradually build up the difficulty.

Remember, consistency is much more important than going all out, once a week. Regular wakesurfing sessions will develop far more functional core strength than occasional, grueling workouts in the gym.

Looking to take things to the next level?

Simple planks and side planks will help to reinforce the stability patterns you develop on the water.

But seriously, here’s the best part of wakesurfing your core…

It doesn’t feel like a workout.

Time to Get Out There

To sum it up…

Wakesurfing may be one of the best and most fun ways to build functional core strength and balance.

The combination of instability, resistance and constant engagement creates the perfect storm for rapid improvement. The further you progress, the more this training is developing a stronger, more athletic you.

Every time you hit the water, you’re getting stronger. Every session is building the kind of core stability that protects your spine, and enhances your performance in everything else that you do.

Most people spend years trying to build functional core strength in gyms with limited success. Wakesurfing offers better results, in a fraction of the time – and you’re having a blast while you do it.

Are you ready to see the difference? Your core strength and balance are about to get seriously upgraded.