You may not know it, but Pilates and Surfing are a match made in heaven. Complementing each other, incorporating Pilates into your workout routine will improve your strength,stability, flexibility and mindfulness while in and out of the water.
Your core is one of the most important and crucial aspects of surfing. Core strength will provide balance and stability while on the board which in turn helps with power and precision on the waves. Core strength will also help prevent injury, especially in your lower back.
Fluidform focuses deeply on core engagement. The Fluidform method was created with your core being central to every movement. As your core is constantly engaged, our practice will provide a strengthening core workout every single time, no matter the exercise.
Shoulder and arm strength is key to progress in surfing. Consistent Pilates will build shoulder strength and stability, allowing you to stabilise your body against the resistance of the water and paddle with ease. Flexibility is increased, allowing your body to be smoother and more agile in the water.
Fluidform’s method will provide surfers with the strength and stability to elevate their surfing performance and develop a deeper mind-body connection, engaging and utilising the power of breath. Fluidform At Home gives anybody the opportunity to practice Pilates daily, with hundreds of videos to choose from, Fluidform At Home gives you the opportunity to strengthen your mind and body, anywhere, anytime.
It is imperative to stretch pre and post surf. Stretching is one of the most underrated ways to improve athletic performance. Stretching your body before and after will prepare the muscles and prevent injury.
Next time you hit the waves try some of our favourite pre and post surf stretches. We promise you, it makes a huge difference!
3 x pre-surf stretches
- Plank to Pike
This Active stretch is a total body move which activates all muscles and stretches the back of legs. Elevate this stretch by peddling out your feet, creating a deeper hamstring stretch. Activating your core and shoulders, this stretch will help prepare and loosen the body.
- Thread the needle
This active stretch will release any spinal tension and work on opening up the chest, back,neck and shoulders. Loosening up your spinal tension will alleviate any pressure built up in the body, helping prevent injury.
- Hip flexor stretch with arm lift and extension through spine.
This active stretch will open the front of the hips and body. This stretch will feel particularly good for those with tight hip flexors, allowing the body to loosen and go into a more comfortable state. The added arm lift will help loosen any spinal tension and create a full body stretch.
3 x post- surf stretches
- Spine twist
This stretch will release the lower back and hips. Begin by lying supine, knees bent with feet on floor, rock knees from side to side and hold for a breath. This will feel amazing to release any spinal tension the body may acquire doing long surfs/workouts.
- Child pose
Being opposite to your paddling motion, this stretch will put you into spinal flexion, releasing any tension in your arms, shoulders and upper back. Breathe deeply and slowly, focusing on mind body connection. Make sure to stay in this position for at least 3 minutes.
- Kneeling Hip and Quad Stretch
This stretch will open up your hip flexors and stretch your quads and hamstrings. Begin by kneeling on one foot and the other knee. If needed, hold on to something to keep your balance and then push your hips forward. To move the stretch to your hamstrings, straighten your extended leg, your toes and lean forward.
