After I finish my usual cardio routine at the gym, I grab a mat and make a half-hearted attempt at crunches, planks and pushups. It’s pretty pathetic.
So, I thought it was time to add a little spark to my strength training.
A friend suggested an indoor surfing class to me, and after my shock that such a thing even existed wore off, I enrolled. SURFSET Fitness is a full-body workout, with a special emphasis on the core, says Sarah Ponn, the Director of Marketing and Training. The program is designed to engage all of your major muscles and improve your balance.
What to expect:
The class comes complete with a video projection of the beach, with the calming sound of waves and the visual inspiration of actual surfers. Your surf board rests on top of three yoga balls. The first time you time you attempt to balance on it, your body will shake so wildly that you will feel as if you’ve lost all self-control. Keep at it though, and you’ll get the hang of it. The routine is largely dependent on using your own body weight, but there are portions of the class that require resistance bands. And prepare for soreness the following day…I’m talking arms, back, legs and core.
Yoga-centric moves:
The routine is heavily reliant on yoga poses. When I first realized this, I thought… why wouldn’t I just go to yoga class? That answer became obvious pretty quickly. The surfing routine requires a strength and focus that exceeds yoga (which I didn’t even think was possible.) Adding the struggle for balance to already complicated poses means every movement is a challenge.
What you put in is what you get out:
No matter what way you look at it, this was hard work. That being said, results will depend heavily on how much time and effort you put into it. As Ponn points out, you can burn anywhere between 450-900 calories per class. She suggests practicing two to three times a week and mixing it in with your other workout routines for the best results. In fact, Ponn adds that many of SURFSET’s clients claim the workout has done wonders for shaping and toning arms.
The verdict:
It’s totally worth it…but only if you’re committed! If you’re looking for a heavy cardio boost, this is not for you. However, if you’re looking for a strengthening supplement to your cardio routine, look no further. There’s a reason surfers are long and lean. You’re guaranteed to hit all of the problem areas in this class and have fun in the unusual setting!
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