Health: New Surf-centric Workout
By Stephanie Stahl
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Spring has arrived, and it's time for many to get in shape for the summer. There's a new kind of workout that feels like you're in the ocean – but you're not.
The students feel like they're surfing but they're nowhere near the ocean. Jennifer Frankel teaches a class called Surf - SET. The squats, lunges and push-ups are done on a surfboard that's mounted on air-filled discs that simulate waves. The unstable surface requires balance and that intensifies core training.
"All exercise is based from the core, everything we do comes from our center," explains Jennifer.
And there's a cardio element to rev up the heart rate with exercises done on and off the board. Jennifer explains, "It's a seriously intense workout, and they really need to bring their A game."
Surfing experience isn't needed, but students say endurance and balance are key.
"I didn't think it would be quite as intense, the balance and cardio and everything," one participant said.
Jennifer says she tries to help her students both escape and get into shape in time for beach season.
The group that developed Surf - SET says the workout focuses on stabilizer muscles and will tone and burn fat. There are classes around the area, and you can buy a board for $550 and use it with videos.
For more information, visit: www.surfsetfitness.com/tools/class-locator