Adding Surfing Inspired Fitness Exercises: Did They Actually Help Balance and Strength?

A few months ago I started adding some surfing inspired exercises to my workouts, even though I don't surf. I kept seeing people talk about balance boards, pop up drills, and single leg movements, so I figured why not give it a shot.

Honestly, I thought it would be kinda gimmicky at first.

The biggest thing I noticed was improved balance. Standing on one leg while doing presses or squats felt super awkward during week one. After a few weeks, I felt way more stable during regular gym exercises too.

The pop up drills were surprisingly tough. They got my heart rate up fast and worked my core more than I expected. It felt like a mix of cardio and strength training packed into one movement.

A balance board was probably the most fun part. It looks easy until you actually step on one. My legs were shaking like crazy the first few sessions.

One tip if you're curious about trying this stuff: don't replace your main strength training. Use these exercises as extras. I still did my normal lifting routine and just added 10 to 15 minutes of surfing style work a couple times a week.

For me, the biggest gains were coordination, core strength, and overall body control. I didn't suddenly become an athlete overnight, but I definitely felt more athletic.

Anyone else tried surfing inspired workouts? Curious what exercises worked best for you guys.