I was starting to think I was getting old – shoulder pains, then knee pains. Worse, my girlfriend stopped asking for a gun show. Then it hit me; I changed my workout routine. Really, I stopped working out all together. Since going to my paddle board business full time, I haven’t been to the gym once and I haven’t done my usual workout at home. I’ve done nothing except paddle board. I’m paying for it now.
*I am in no way an exercise, health or diet expert. These are things I’ve found out about myself.*
I was actually hoping for the complete opposite to happen. I figured that being outside, giving tours, and being able to take off for a fast-paced paddle whenever I wanted that I should be in badass shape in no time. Don’t get me wrong; I can paddle faster and farther than ever. SUP (stand up paddle boarding) really is a great work out. So what’s the problem?
The problem is I’m sucking at everything else. What triggered this thinking was forgetting a cooler in my truck before a tour. No problem, run back and grab the cooler, run back. Done it hundreds of times before, should be able to run for miles, got this. Didn’t have it that night when my knee started to swell. That’s when I thought back to a recent shoulder ache I had after a fast-paced workout paddle. I wasn’t hurt but my shoulder wasn’t happy about it at all. All the pieces started to come together. I’m not as fit as I think I am and my paddling is starting to suffer, or worse, keep me off the water.Being off the water isn’t an option when you paddle board for a living. Get a bad shoulder, you’d better suck it up buttercup or find another job. That’s not happening. So, here’s what I decided to do.
• Reevaluate my diet. This is the single most important part for me. The race car won’t run without good fuel. Regrettably, my diet wasn’t what it should be. My new business has taken me out of my comfort zone. It’s not as easy to bring a good lunch to work; it’s not impossible, only harder. This part has to happen.
• Find a workout I’ll actually do. At this point, I’m pretty good at coming up with the workouts I like but don’t be afraid to hire a trainer or, better yet, enlist a friend to help. I’ve talked my girlfriend into keeping me on path. Thinking about ordering her a cattle prod.
• Consistently workout. This really should be second as far as importance, although you can’t be consistent if you haven’t a workout. Regardless, consistently working out is huge. Do the work, put in the time, and you’ll see results if you do. And by work out I mean lift something, do body weight, something.
Paddle boarding is a great workout and I would hate to steer you away from that. What I’m trying to say is mix it up; don’t make it your only workout. Once you have great form paddling, you tend to stop using small muscles and favoring the big ones. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s the point to good form, except those small muscles still need to be worked. Neglecting them will keep that good form off the water.
Seems pretty easy when you break it all down like that but we all know it’s not. It’s really hard; I’m so good at making excuses and believing them, too. Every time I push myself and at least start it I feel better. For me, that’s the trick; getting started is the hardest part. That’s another reason to ask someone to help give a nudge, or a push, or maybe throw something at you. It’s all in hopes of being healthy and paddling more.
By: Chris Woodruff
Owner: Paddles By The Sea
What: Paddle Board and Kayak Rentals and Tours
Where: 3321 Bridge Plaza Dr Vero Beach FL
Contact: 772-444-7871
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