It’s a workout, not a wipeout – The Capital Journal

Stand as if it’s a surfboard; paddle as if it’s a canoe. That pretty much sums up paddle boarding.

A new business in town will teach you not only how to paddle board, but also how to get a workout in the middle of the Missouri River. The company also offers paddle board yoga and “most anything upon request.”

Endless River Paddling offers paddle board rentals, purchases, and fitness classes. The company, which debuted at Oahe Days in June, works through Steamboat’s Inc., the local scuba diving shop, said Jess Burchill.

Eight students were out Saturday getting a heavy workout. Burchill led the High Intensity Interval Training class as they did paddling to get the heart rate up, as well as low-impact exercises, including squats, push-ups and “burpees.”

Burchill demonstrated how to do a burpee. From a standing position, squat, then kick your legs out, as if to do a push-up. Then a small jump to a standing position, and jump again.

The class did, in fact, practiced their jumps — a narrow board in the middle of the river.

“Some people are intimidated to try them on the board. But that’s what we do. It’s a workout,” she said.

The trick to staying balanced is to “stabilize your core,” Burchill said, quickly adding that one of the benefits of paddleboarding is it’s a full-body workout, while also being low-impact.

“It’s not hard on your joints,” she said.

There are other benefits, too.

“It’s a great way to get out on the river for those who don’t have the opportunity. It’s a great way to get a workout while on the river. And it’s an opportunity to exercise, being outdoors. Although you don’t really feel like you’re exercising; the time goes fast,” she said.

Kristen Carter, of Fort Pierre, agreed. As a repeat customer she described what the class was like.

“It’s laid-back, but tough,” she said. “It’s good for strength, and it’s nice to get out on the river.”

Another convert is Burchill’s sister, Ali Burchill. She admitted that the idea of jumping up and down on a paddle board sounded “crazy” at first. But she’s come to enjoy it.

“It’s enjoyable, and it doesn’t seem like a workout. Until the next day when your muscles are sore, and you say, ‘I guess it was a workout,’” she said.

The fitness classes are usually 90 minutes to two hours long. They are offered every Saturday, Jess Burchill said.

How long the classes can be offered depends upon the weather — not just how warm it is, but how windy, she said.

During the winter, Burchill hopes to offer paddle board classes at the YMCA or Aquatic Center, and she plans to offer other classes next summer. People can rent paddle boards or sign up for classes by calling Steamboat’s at 224-6572. Or for more information, look up Endless River Paddling on Facebook.

from myhealtyze http://www.myhealtyze.tk/its-a-workout-not-a-wipeout-the-capital-journal/