Get Fit For Windsurfing
As it’s a watersport combining high speed with extreme manoeuvres and tricks, it requires from you a combination of balance, skill and fitness to hang on.
Windsurfing became popular in 1970s but modern equipment is more stable and lighter than before, so everyone can give it a go.
But before get started, you should be really fit. Do half an hour of cycling, running or swimming four times a week and you’ll be well prepared to start.
While learning windsurfing remember that staying upright on the board puts stress on all major muscle groups. Try doing back extensions, which will also reduce the risk of back injury. Lie face down with your legs together and hands behind your head, raise your legs and chest off the floor, hold for 3sec, then lower. Next, prepare your upper body with push-ups. From the push-up position, lower yourself slowly to the floor then push up explosively so that your hands leave the floor. Catch your fall and lower yourself.
In windsurfing you switch from an upright position when the winds are light, to a half-squat in stronger gusts. The classic squat is the perfect exercise to develop strenght. Stand on your feet shoulder-width apart, keep your back straight than squat until your thighs are nearly parallel to the floor, then return to start.
These are a few windsurfing exercises:
1. Jack Knife - Lie face down and place your shins on the stability ball. Than crunch your knees toward your chest. Hold for two seconds and return.
2. Swiss Ball Row - Lie on a stability ball and lift dumbells by pulling your elbows back. Do two sets of 10.
3. Hamstring Curls - Lie down with hands in a T position. Keep your abs tight and bend your knees. Hold for one second then return to the start position.
