This One Exercise will help Surfers with Coordination, Core Strength and Cognitive Function

 

As Surfers, we know that the waves will always be there waiting for us when we come back. But is it just me or has this winter season been unusually colder? Heavy winds have kicked up, record breaking snow  and very rainy for SoCal. 

 This gives us an opportunity to grow, learn, and prepare ourselves for the next season of surfing.  For those of us who put on a few extra pounds, with the right mindset and a little bit of motivation, we can come back stronger and more prepared than ever before. 

We know that  balance, coordination and core strength are all essential components for catching waves and walking up our longboard to the nose.  But did you know that incorporating cross crawls into your workout routine can help improve all of these skills and more? 

Why I'm a fan of them is because they're low impact and a few of my clients told me I look like I was losing weight, I told one what I was doing and she said, oh those are cross crawls. So I looked them up and was amazed at the benefits.

Cross crawls are a simple but effective exercise that involves moving your opposite arm and leg together. For example, lifting your left knee while reaching your right arm across your body to touch your knee. 

This one exercise helps improve coordination between the left and right sides of your body, which is important for maintaining balance and stability. Don't get it twisted though, it actually burns just as many calories as walking. 

In addition to improving coordination, cross crawls can also help strengthen your core muscles, which are essential for maintaining proper posture and stability on your board. As you lift your knee and opposite arm, you engage your core muscles to maintain balance and stability, helping to build strength and endurance over time. 

Another benefit of cross crawls for surfers is their ability to improve cognitive function and mental clarity. This exercise requires focus and concentration, which can help improve cognitive function and help you stay focused and alert out in the water. 

If you're looking to incorporate these into your workout routine, there are a variety of ways to do so. 

•  Warm ups before hitting the waves. Start with the standard 10-15 reps on each side and gradually increase as your strength and coordination improve. Gets the heart rate up gradually and your limbs flexible for the Ocean. 
• Add them to your yoga practice. Excellent in preparing for balancing poses.
• As a full body workout routine for 30 minutes. I started off doing 50 several times a day, then 100 and I'm now at 20 minutes with weights on my legs, it's hard.
• Use them in your circuit workout by pairing them with other exercises like squats, lunges, or pushups. 

In conclusion, they are a simple but effective way that can help improve your performance and give you an edge in the water.  So, next time you hit the gym or the yoga mat, don't forget to include this powerful exercise into your routine. Let me know how you like them. 

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