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Why Sailing is Good for Your Health and Well-being
Paige Pesko • Sep 25, 2019
Sailing is a fun hobby for whale watchers and fishing enthusiasts. Additionally, it’s a great activity for anyone looking to improve their athletic prowess and overall well-being. From physical to mental health, here are just a few reasons why sailing is good for your health and well-being.
Increases muscle strength and agility
Perhaps the most compelling reason why sailing is good for your health is the vast improvements it can have on strength and agility. The task of helming a ship is not always an easy one and it often involves quite a bit of skill and labor. Keeping the ship on course requires the constant pulling and hoisting of sails and steering of the helm. These tasks require a fair amount of strength and can significantly improve shoulder, back, and arm muscles over time. Hoisting and adjusting sails is a full-body workout which can also improve core muscle strength. Maintaining your balance while sailing choppy waters will also improve your agility and coordination.
Promotes stress relief and mental wellness
The stress of work, family, and an ever-growing social calendar can be overwhelming, and sometimes, the best way to unwind is to simply get away from it all. Setting sail on a relaxing sea voyage can do wonders in calming your nerves and promoting stress relief. The natural white noise produced by the sound of crashing waves and flowing water will wash away all your worries and lull you into a serene state. These sounds provide your brain with a steady stream of sensory input at a volume that is not overly abrasive. As such, the brain receives calming aural signals.
Boosts concentration
Similar to driving a car, there are many things you need to be cognizant of when sailing a boat. You must be aware of water and weather conditions, check to make sure you’re on course, and enforce proper safety protocols for all passengers. Not to mention all while remaining in constant communication with the other members of your crew. The effort of switching from task to task will help improve mental agility and boost concentration. To learn more about the ins and outs of sailing and further boost your concentration, check out our San Francisco sailing school.
Improves cardiovascular health
Running from bow to stern is a great way to boost your heart rate and can vastly improve your cardiovascular health. Improved cardiovascular health can help prevent certain health issues, such as hypertension, obesity, or heart disease. The large amounts of oxygen you receive when engaging in strenuous sailing activities helps increase blood flow throughout your body. A breath of fresh air can do wonders for the body and there’s truly nothing better than the invigorating sea air.
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