Try Tabata or HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). Short but intense workout that helps with fat loss, cardiovascular endurance, and you can tailor the excercises to hit the body parts integral to surfing.
I agree with exit98 for cardiovascular and endurance training. But to become a more powerful and stronger surfer, you also need some strength training. Not sure what your level of fitness is but I would do some full body strength training with an emphasis on legs and core since thats where your power is coming from. make sure you are hitting chest shoulders back and arms for paddling.
Anyone tired the Taylor Knox surfing fitness video, that guy is a training animal and from what i have seen of small clips showing his training his workouts are balance & core specific and it works the fast twitch muscles associated with surfing. I have been eyeing that video for a while, but I dont really train, would like to be in great shape at 36 but guess im too lazy
Swim and do burpies. I did this every day for 2 months before a surf trip and not only did I have to buy smaller board shorts, I ended up buying a smaller shortboard at the last minute.
yes as the stud said, definitely do burpees. i dont know if there is any thing much more difficult than doing a ton of these. your legs will be on fire and you heartrate will soar. good call
I swear by this. I think Micah still has it in the Swell Info store. http://www.swellinfo.com/store/surf-stronger-dvd?keyword=surf stronger&category_id=0 I've been doing it about 18 months now. I'm an old guy (50+), and it's been a long, long time since I was this fit. It has strength, core, stretching, and yoga all built in. Oh, and it has pop-ups, and push-ups you do while balanced on a stability ball. They are killers. It's similar to the Taylor Knox, less intense though - which is a good thing when you're first starting out. I've lost a significant amount of weight and kept it off. My wetsuits certainly fit a lot better these days. And my board size down too. In the 6's for the first time in decades. It is a little light on cardio, but you can make that up in other ways.
To really get the most benefit from HIIT, or interval workouts as a runner would call them, you need to have a good aerobic base too. 30 minutes to an hour of easy, conversational pace running, 4 to 6 days a week will give you a great base.
burpee = http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s4Ikkm0PHHo/TFAUWn25I8I/AAAAAAAAAzM/rQVtM9AI-D0/s1600/marines_burpee.jpg
try insanity, i just finished it and got great results and just feel better overall. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLK28BHJDd8
Depends on what you want. For more power try doing some squats, dead lifts, bench press, and pull ups. Mix it up with some kettelbells. Do whatever cardio you enjoy. Of course swimming would be most beneficial to surfing. Most of all stay dedicated, do whatever exercise you enjoy 4-5 days a week with intensity. Your off days are important, your body needs time to recoup.
on a more serious note.. i've been surfing whenever theres swell, if its blown out I kiteboard, and I go to the gym otherwise. I usually jog for a little while to warm up then do some strength training. as long as your doing something consistently and not just sitting around, you should be good.
whatever exercises that I can do to paddle as needed without being out of breath and/or arms feeling like they are going to fall off is all I really need.
If yo live close to any water, ocean, pond, river, just drop you board in and paddle. Nothing will get you in better paddling shape than actually paddling. If your stuck at home push ups and sits ups.
What a coincidence. An article was posted last night on Surfline about Taj Burrows trainer and the workouts he makes Taj do. A few very useful exercises at the end of the article. http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/taj-burrows-trainer-explains-the-benefits-of-a-surf-specific-workout-routine_53928/
Check out the Vasa trainer. It simulates the motion of paddling, and builds all the right muscle groups. It also has other workout options for other muscle groups, but for building paddling strength, I've never worked out on a piece of equipment like this when I can't get in the water.
