HEALTH

Calling all yoga lovers: If you’re part of the growing namaste nation, you might be looking to take your practice off of the mat and outdoors as the weather gets nicer (or when you head to the beach for vacay). And we're not just talking about doing downward dog in the backyard. Nope, it's time to take it to the, uh, water.

You read that right—this summer, try stand up paddleboard yoga, otherwise known as SUP yoga. It might sound a little scary to begin with but there are tons of beginner classes to help you learn the ropes (sites like Groupon often offer discounts on lessons, too). All you need to know is how to swim just in case you’re threading the needle one moment and tipping over the next.

Even if you're perfectly content with your current yoga game, SUP is such a fun way to get out of the same routine. Not only is it the *perfect* bonding experience for you and your mom or a group of friends, but it’s also a great way to really challenge and practice your balance. Because the board is less stable on water, you’re working more muscle by trying to stay afloat (oh hey, abs!). Plus, falling off just means a refreshing dip on a hot day which we are all about.

To find a class, we recommend checking out your local state park or watersports company or just do a Google search to find offerings in your area. If your gym has an indoor pool, they might have a SUP yoga class, too. Bonus: Some places have boards big enough for two people which means you and your bestie can namaste together for the whole class.

Have you ever tried paddleboard yoga? Let us know how it went in the comments! 

by Gabby Regalbuto | 6/16/2018