Ride the Waves: The Ultimate Surfing-Inspired Workout for All Levels
Jun 10, 2025 By Celia Shatzman

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Surfing is not just a fun sport. It's also a great way to get strong and stay fit. But what if you don't live near the beach? Don't worry! You don't need to be a surfer to enjoy these fun and energetic moves. You can enjoy the fitness benefits of surfing-inspired workouts at home or gym. These exercises copy the moves surfers use and involve paddling, jumping up on the board, and staying balanced.

The best thing about surfing-inspired workout style is that it helps your whole body and strengthens your core, arms, legs, and back. If you want to add these workouts to your fitness routine to make you stronger and fitter, pick any of the five simple surfing-inspired exercises discussed here!

How Does Surfing-Inspired Exercises Work? 

Surfing-inspired workouts are a fun way to get fit without going to the beach. These workouts are done indoors at the gym. You don’t need a swimsuit or water. For some surfing-inspired workouts, a special board moves. It shakes like a real surfboard on the ocean. The board helps you work on your balance, just like you would if you were surfing. The workout is done in a group and usually lasts 45 to 60 minutes.

You make different moves that copy real surfing. Some classes also include yoga-style moves to stretch and calm your body. These workouts are great for building core strength. They help with your stomach, back, and balance. You also use your arms and legs a lot, so your body strengthens. Surf-inspired workouts are fun and exciting. They are great for staying in shape.

What Areas Does Surfing Inspired Workout Target? 

Surf-inspired workouts are great for the whole body and help strengthen many muscles. Below are the different body areas that surfing-inspired workouts target:

  1. Core: Your tummy muscles, also called abs, stay active the whole time to help you keep your balance on the board.
  2. Arms: You use your arms and shoulders when you pretend to paddle and push yourself up to stand on the board.
  3. Legs: Standing on the board and doing different moves helps strengthen your leg muscles. You use your thighs, calves, and more.
  4. Glutes: Like real surfers, you do lots of squatting moves. It works your glutes and the muscles in your bottom.
  5. Back: When you lift your chest and pretend to paddle, use your back muscles, especially the lower part.

A surfing-related workout helps your whole body get stronger and toned. It’s a fun way to work out many muscles simultaneously. 

5 Surfing-Inspired Workout

Here are five surfing-inspired workouts:

Pushups in Surf Workouts

Pushups are one of the best exercises inspired by surfing. They help strengthen your upper body, like your arms, shoulders, chest, and upper back. It is an essential exercise because, during real surfing, strong upper body muscles help to pop up on the board. Additionally, pushups help keep your spine straight. It makes your core muscles strong. They can help you surf longer without your shoulders getting tired too quickly. Here is how to do it. 

  1. Get down on your hands and knees.
  2. Place your hands under your shoulders and keep your knees a little apart.
  3. Now, straighten your arms and legs so your body forms a straight line.
  4. Slowly bend your arms and lower your chest close to the floor.
  5. Pause for a second.
  6. Push your body back up.

Squats in Surf Workouts

Squats are an essential part of surf training. The squat movement is similar to what surfers do when they crouch on the board or make turns. Doing squats helps strengthen your legs and works the muscles around your spine. This exercise is excellent for building power in your legs. It will keep your back strong and healthy. A strong back is essential for surfers, especially when paddling or balancing on the board. Here is how to do it:

  1. Stand with your feet the same width as your shoulders.
  2. Keep your chest up and back straight.
  3. Bend your hips and knees like you are sitting on a chair.
  4. Keep your heels flat on the ground.
  5. Lower your body until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle.
  6. Push through your heels to stand back up.

Flying Superman in Surf Workouts

Flying Superman is an excellent exercise for surfers. It helps you paddle faster and for a longer time. This move works the muscles along your back and copies the position of lying on a surfboard while paddling. Doing this exercise often will make your back stronger. A strong back is essential for surfing and maintaining good water posture. Here is how to do it. 

  1. Lie flat on your stomach on a mat.
  2. Stretch your arms out before you and keep your legs behind you.
  3. Slowly lift both your arms and legs about 10 centimeters off the ground.
  4. Keep your arms and legs as straight as you can.
  5. Hold this “Superman” pose for 3 to 5 seconds.
  6. Slowly lower your arms and legs back to the mat.

Single Foot Planks in Surf Workouts

Planks are a great way to make your core muscles strong. A strong core helps you balance better while surfing. If you want to make the plank harder, try the single-foot plank. This version adds a challenge because you lift one leg. It makes your body work harder to stay steady. It's a simple but powerful move. Here is how you can do it.

  1. Lie face down on a mat.
  2. Rest on your forearms and place your feet shoulder-width apart.
  3. Push your body up so you are off the ground.
  4. Keep your body straight and your tummy muscles tight.
  5. Now, slowly lift one leg to the same height as your shoulders.
  6. Hold this position for 3 to 5 seconds.
  7. Lower the leg and lift the other one.

Twisting Burpees in Surf Workouts 

Twisting burpees is an excellent move for surfers. They copy the fast motion of jumping to your feet on a surfboard. This exercise mixes a pushup, a jump, and a twist. It helps improve balance, strength, and speed. This workout is fun and full of energy. It enables you to prepare for real surfing by building the muscles and movements you need in the water. Here is how you can do it. 

  1. Start by squatting down and placing your hands on the floor before you.
  2. Shift your weight to your hands and jump your feet back so you are in a pushup position.
  3. Do one pushup by lowering your chest and pushing back up.
  4. Jump your feet forward to your hands again.
  5. Stand up and jump into the air.
  6. While jumping, twist your body so you turn around and face the other way when you land.

Conclusion:

Surfing-inspired workouts are a fun and effective way to get fit. These exercises work your whole body, including your core, legs, arms, and back. They help you build strength, balance, and energy. You don't need a surfboard or waves to enjoy the benefits. You can do these exercises at home or in the gym with little or no equipment. Stay consistent and keep practicing; you will feel the difference in your strength and fitness.

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