Becoming fit to surf

Fitness
Often as mums we are trying to get back into shape after 9 months of pregnancy and a few months of sleepless nights. What better way to do that than to get back into the water, nothing prepares you for surf fitness better than surfing itself and if you haven’t been doing it for a while you may need to put some extra effort in with some extra exercises. Here are a few things get the right muscles in working order and help you surf longer.

Swimming
Swimming will help your surfing so try and swim in the ocean rather than the pool. This will get you in tune with the ocean and prepare you for surfing. "When paddling, surfers use a lot of the same muscles as swimmers," says long time surfer, chiropractor and trainer of surf stars, Tim Brown of Newport, USA - Spine & Sport.
Swimmers are big on strength training but most surfers can't be bothered. This says Brown is a mistake as "Surfers should take advantage of down time between swells to work on their muscular imbalances. So get in a swim if the surf is not happening.

Running
Still considered one of the best exercises out there. Yes, it can be done with a new sports stroller! It's a great cardiovascular workout for the heart. Running on hard sand (also good with a stroller) near the water's edge will give your legs a better workout and there will also be less impact on your joints.
Former UK World Champion - 'Pottz' and 'Occy' religiously ran up and down sand dunes to improve fitness during their time on the ASP Surfing Tour.
Weights
If you want to have strong arms for paddling buy a set of dumbbells as they can be used to work out your entire upper body as well as your arms – and you can use them during your little ones nap time.

Press Up's
Another great exercise for paddling and one you can do alone. Do a certain amount every night and set yourself a goal of between 10-20 a night depending on your fitness for the first fortnight and then build on it.
If you are a beginner surfer it really helps to have done some work on your arms as you'll be doing lots of paddling.

Yoga
Many top professional surfers are now turning to Yoga to increase their longevity and strength.

Women's professional surfer Rochelle Ballard is a convert - "Surfing is all about being flexible and loose and nothing helps more than Yoga."

She firmly believes that Yoga has helped her develop the stamina, power and mental focus needed to perform well in the water. "Surfers need to be strong and flexible and nothing does that better than Yoga!"

There are some great post natal programs for women too. Check out your local book store for books and DVD’s on the subject. There is some good DVD’s on yoga specifically for surfers too.

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