SUP Yoga: 5 Easy Poses

We've all thought about doing yoga on a paddle board. After trying it out, we quickly realized that it might not be as easy as on dry land! Our SUP yoga ambassador, Nadia Bonenfant from JUNA Yoga, presents 5 of her beloved SUP yoga postures.

(Psst, take the opportunity to admire the magnificent landscape of the Magdalen Islands captured by Sophie Corriveau!)

1. The Boat

An accessible posture for all levels, it works the abs, lower back and shoulders. It's also good for stimulating blood circulation in colder weather, or for working the abdominal-pelvic area. Place yourself in the center of your paddle board for better balance (keep your toes on the SUP if necessary).

2. The Crescent Moon & the Eagle Arms

A great posture for working your core, opening your hips slightly and stimulating your stabilizing muscles. The eagle arms add extra value to the posture by working on a deep stretch of the shoulders and shoulder blades. A great pose after paddling all day on your SUP!

3. The Chair

An extremely stimulating posture for the body's stabilizing muscles and blood circulation. This position is great to do before paddling to align your spine and wake up your abdominal muscles.

(Video in french only)

4. The Upward Dog

A great way to strengthen your wrists and shoulders for a season of paddling and yoga on the water. This posture also activates the muscles of your lower back and thighs.

Be careful not to relax your lower back. Maintain the sternum-to-sacrum connection. If the strain on your arms and shoulders seems too great, rest your knees on the board.

5. The Chair With a Twist

A more intermediate posture, but still easily done on a paddle board! Place both feet hip-distance apart, on either side of the central handle. Take the chair posture and contract your bellybutton towards your spine. Once stable, add the twist with hands placed together and elbow to the outside of the opposite knee. Stay centered at the ankle-knee-hip joint. This posture is excellent for the digestive system, awakening the abdominals and stabilizing muscles! Breathe deeply.

BONUS: The Hinge

Here's another one for you to try out once you've mastered the first ones. This one's not too complicated, but it's still for intermediates.

An interesting posture, as it works on the lateral side of the paddle board! It awakens deep stability and stretches the intercostal muscles, as well as enabling deep breathing. It also works the abdo-pelvic connection and awakens the stabilizing muscles.

(Video in french only)