Broadcaster and endurance enthusiast Louise Minchin embraces paddleboarding, finding it both challenging and calming. This low-impact, weight-bearing exercise helps enhance strength and balance, making it an ideal activity as we age.
- Engages core and stabilizing muscles effectively
- Improves balance, reducing fall risk after 50
- Provides a low-impact, weight-bearing workout
What happened
Louise Minchin describes her paddleboarding journey in her book Fearless: Adventures With Extraordinary Women, admitting it feels precarious yet profoundly peaceful. Paddleboarding requires constant micro-adjustments to keep balanced on an unstable surface, which activates a range of muscles throughout the body.
Studies underline its benefits: a small six-week research trial found untrained adults who paddleboarded regularly improved core strength by up to 28%. This activity strengthens not only the abs but also the feet, ankles, hips, and glutes—all vital for maintaining mobility.
Why it feels good
Paddleboarding promotes balance and stability, key factors that tend to decline with age. Experts emphasize how maintaining these abilities helps reduce the risk of falls and fractures, a crucial concern for those over 50 and post-menopausal women.
The exercise also supports bone health as a weight-bearing activity by encouraging the body to respond to load, though it works best when combined with resistance training. Additionally, paddling can elevate heart rate, adding a cardiovascular benefit to its strength-building effects.
What to enjoy or watch next
For those interested in trying paddleboarding, it's advisable to start in calm water and gradually build confidence. The sport offers a unique combination of physical challenge and serene enjoyment, making it suitable for anyone seeking both fitness and relaxation.
Complementary exercises that focus on resistance training can further enhance bone density and muscle strength. Watching Louise Minchin’s adventures or following experts in women's fitness can provide motivation and practical tips to balance safety with the excitement of this rewarding activity.