Tried And Tested: Her.ie Takes On Surfing Yoga Fit

In a new monthly feature, we at the Her.ie offices will sample a fitness class and then run you through the ins and outs of what is required and the benefit of each class. There are literally hundreds of brilliant, enjoyable and fun classes you could participate in so whether you are starting out for the first time or just looking for something different, there is something for everyone. This week we take a look at the new craze that is sweeping the world, Surfing Yoga Fit. What the class consists of: The surf-inspired, yoga and fitness workouts happen on a multifunctional exercise board, which recreates the dynamics of water and wave movements, for a unique full-body and mind balance and training experience. The surf-inspired training system was developed by an Irish surfing enthusiast, Barry O' Flanagan, who designed the SurfingYogaFit board as a surf training aid, in order to practice his pop-up and balance on land, before venturing on his regular journeys to the west coast. The multi-functional exercise board helps with balance co-ordination, fitness, sports performance, and rehabilitation. The balance domes on the board simulate a surfing experience. The new workouts, which combine traditional yoga and Pilates poses, provide dynamic, full body training to improve overall health and well-being. Introductory workshops across Ireland have shown that SurfingYogaFit appeals to yogis of all ages, helping increase their strength, flexibility, balance and agility. The dynamic 60-minute classes were designed in conjunction with top surfers, yoga, Pilates and fitness instructors in Europe. Qualified instructor Suzanne Kenny, of yoga4all.ie who specializes in sports yoga will be teaching the classes at Westwood, with classes starting at the end of June, and registration now open on www.surfingyogafit.com. How we got on: First off, it may actually help if you have gone to a Pilates or Yoga class in the past. You don't need to be an expert here whatsoever but it may just help with the poses on the surfboard and understanding how you should balance your body. Suzanne began by introducing us to the board and from there, moving on to some strengthening and balancing exercise. We found the most important aspect of the board was not to overthink it, sure we were falling off a little at the start but as soon as you get the balance later on the class, the exercises will come an awful lot easier. Besides the obvious difficulties with balance, you will discover just how much work it takes to stay on the board. You will basically be working every single muscle in your body and this will not be as easy as it initially seems. The classes themselves are catered in different ways towards different requirements. Suzanne pointed out that they could be modified for a more intense workout, for surfers or indeed for someone just working on their balance. However, the class is a lot of fun. You will giggle at yourself trying to get on the surfboard. If you are a Yoga and Pilates enthusiast, it will point out the areas where you need to focus for better balance and getting the exercise right. Would we recommend it? Absolutely. In terms of actual calorie burn, it's hard to determine as it depends on the kind of exercises you are doing in any particular class. However, this board and learning to balance would make you work every single muscle in your body and that makes it hard work. Like we mentioned before however, you will have a lot of fun during this class and our instructor, Suzanne, is very experienced, not just for the class itself but also with yoga in general. Where can I find out more? Water-sports and fitness fans who want to try out SurfingYogaFit at the Fitzone Studio in Westwood, Leopardstown, in Dublin, Classes commence on 26/06/14 6.30pm-7.30pm & 8pm-9pm can get further information on www.surfingyogafit.com or facebook www.facebook.com/surfingyogafit. Or for individuals who wish to purchase a board they are €195 and available by emailing info@surfingyogafit.com