Have you ever wondered about the many health benefits of surfing?

You may be surprised to find out that surfing is one of the best sports to stay in shape while also avoiding injuries.

In research for the health benefits of surfing, Rudi Meir, an Australian fitness expert, found that you typically burn an average of 500 calories per hour while surfing. This compared to 704 per hour for running, 354 per hour for swimming, and 281 per hour for biking, shows that surfing offers a great way of staying fit.

These calories burned also get multiplied by the fact that most people surf in the morning. By exercising in the morning you generally have more energy during the day and your metabolism runs at a higher rate because of the increase during your exercise.

In a study by the Surfer's Medical Association they found that most surfer's average 1 injury per 250 surfing days, with the majority of these injuries not requiring any time off from surfing. The most common injury was found to be lacerations from contact with a surfboard.

Being a runner I fully understand the importance of consistency and staying injury free. I have been surfing for over 9 years now and I am still yet to have one surfing injury, while in the same time I have been sidelined from running injuries for a total amount of time equal to over 2 years.

Fitness is all about consistence, and it is much easier to stay in shape than to get in shape. If you don't have to worry about injuries slowing you down it is much easier to stay consistent and fit.

Surfing is also great in that it truly is a full body workout that taxes both your Aerobic and Anaerobic systems while also helping build your Core Strength which is key for balance, stability, and power.

If you are interested in learning more about the many health benefits of surfing there have been multiple books written on the topic. Three of the more well known ones are:

Surf Flex by: Paul Frediani Fit to Surf by: Rocky Snyder A Surfer's Guide to Flexibility & Conditioning by: Rick McAvoy

I would highly suggest checking these out if this is something that interests you. And always remember that the key to Being and Staying in shape is Consistency.

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