If you’re considering taking up a new sport or you are on the lookout for a more interesting way to keep fit, sailing is worth real consideration.
When comparing it to many other sports, sailing can offer a more complete wellness package—looking after not only the body, but the mind and soul too.
Taking to the water is not always the first thought that comes to mind when considering how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but it is certainly one worth seriously thinking about.
If you’re not convinced, read on to find out what makes learning to sail such a holistic fitness choice.
Good for the body
Sailing offers a great workout and will help to increase your physical fitness if carried out on a regular basis.
A practical way to get active, it’s the perfect choice for people who want to stay fit without suffering the monotony of the gym.
It offers both a cardiovascular workout and strength training, focusing in particular on the arms, back, and shoulders; for example, when you’re hoisting sails or moving the boat into storage. When considering where to keep your sailing equipment, StorageArea has more information about where to find boat storage near you.
Moving about on the water can also improve core strength, flexibility and balance which are all vitally important for maintaining overall body health.
Good for the mind
When you’re sailing, it’s not simply your body which is active, you are keeping mentally agile too.
Much of sailing involves making calculations based on your boat, the water, the weather, and any obstacles in the vicinity.
If you sail competitively you will also need to work out how to complete routes in the fastest possible time, taking corners as tightly as possible and using the elements to achieve maximum speed.
From reading your boat’s instruments to successfully communicating with teammates, sailing keeps your brain ticking the entire time you’re on-board.
Good for the soul
Just spending time outdoors has been proven to have a hugely positive impact on mental wellbeing and in addition to this, research has also shown that being in, on, or under water decreases your heart rate and increases your happiness, along with several other positive health benefits.
Seeing all of nature’s beauty, feeling the rock and sway of the boat, and listening to the waves lapping at the sides, all come together to offer extremely peaceful and calming surroundings.
Sailing also offers opportunities for practicing mindfulness—the art of being present in the moment instead of worrying about what has happened in the past or what might happen in the future. Concentrating fully on handling the boat, communicating with the rest of the crew, and negotiating whatever situations unfold at that particular time, all keep you grounded in the now and takes your mind off other worries.
So if you are considering taking up a new sport or embarking on a new fitness regime, perhaps you will consider taking up sailing; not just to improve your physical fitness but to enhance your wellbeing both inside and out, too.