This assignment provides an opportunity to get comfortable by talking about something you are passionate about. This can be how to make your favorite meal, how to take your blood pressure, how running affects your health. etc. The topic is A sample outline is attached as well as a sample video in the folder. SAMPLE: Today I will show you how to take your pulse in 3 easy steps. today I will talk about three reasons I like surfing.
Title: The Health Benefits of Surfing: An Analysis of Three Key Factors
Introduction:
Surfing, a sport that combines elements of athleticism, adventure, and connection to nature, has gained popularity worldwide. Beyond its recreational appeal, surfing offers several health benefits that contribute to both physical and psychological well-being. This paper aims to explore and analyze three key factors that make surfing an exceptional activity for maintaining and improving one’s health. These factors include the cardiovascular workout, the muscular engagement, and the psychological effects of surfing.
I. Cardiovascular Workout:
A. Definition and Importance:
Cardiovascular exercise, also known as aerobic exercise, refers to activities that increase heart rate and promote efficient oxygen utilization. Engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise has been linked to lower risk of heart disease, improved lung function, and increased overall fitness level.
B. Surfing as a Cardiovascular Workout:
1. High-intensity nature:
Surfing involves continual paddling, balancing on the board, and navigating through the waves, which requires considerable physical effort. These movements elevate heart rate to a level that qualifies surfing as a high-intensity cardiovascular workout.
2. Continuous movement:
Unlike other forms of exercise that may involve intermittent breaks, much of surfing requires constant movement to maintain balance and propel the board forward. This sustained effort contributes to an extended period of elevated heart rate, resulting in a longer duration of cardiovascular exercise.
II. Muscular Engagement:
A. Muscle Groups Utilized in Surfing:
1. Upper body muscles:
Paddling, one of the fundamental actions in surfing, heavily engages the muscles of the upper body, including the trapezius, deltoids, biceps, and triceps. These muscles are responsible for propelling the surfer through the water, contributing to increased upper body strength and endurance.
2. Core muscles:
Balancing on the board while riding the waves activates the core muscles, including the abdominals, obliques, and erector spinae. Strengthening these muscles is crucial for stability, improved posture, and injury prevention.
3. Lower body muscles:
To maintain balance and maneuver the board, lower body muscles such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes are continuously engaged. The repetitive motions involved in surfing enhance lower body strength and flexibility.
B. Unique Features of Muscular Engagement in Surfing:
1. Balance and coordination:
Surfing requires dynamic movements that demand a high level of balance and coordination. Coordinating upper and lower body movements while responding to the ever-changing waves requires the activation and synchronization of multiple muscle groups simultaneously.
2. Isometric and eccentric contractions:
In addition to traditional concentric contractions, surfing also involves isometric contractions (holding certain positions) and eccentric contractions (deceleration during maneuvers). These unique muscle actions provide additional benefits, such as enhanced joint stabilization and eccentric strength gains.
III. Psychological Effects:
A. Connection with Nature:
1. Restoration and stress reduction:
Surfing provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature, which has been linked to various psychological benefits. Engaging in outdoor activities, particularly in natural environments like the ocean, has been shown to reduce stress levels, improve mood, and increase overall wellbeing.
2. Mindfulness and flow state:
Surfing requires a high level of focus and concentration, as surfers must be attentive to the constantly changing conditions of the waves. This state of mindfulness, combined with the rhythmic flow of riding the waves, can induce a state of flow – a mental state characterized by complete absorption and heightened enjoyment.
B. Sense of Achievement and Self-confidence:
1. Overcoming challenges:
Surfing presents numerous challenges, such as paddling against strong currents, timing the waves, and executing maneuvers correctly. Successfully overcoming these challenges can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment.
2. Increased self-confidence:
As surfing proficiency improves, individuals often develop a sense of self-assurance and confidence in their physical abilities. This can spill over into other aspects of life, leading to increased self-confidence and self-efficacy.
Conclusion:
Surfing offers a range of health benefits that extend beyond mere recreational enjoyment. Its cardiovascular workout, engagement of multiple muscle groups, and psychological effects make surfing a unique form of exercise. By understanding and appreciating these three key factors, individuals can gain a deeper insight into how surfing positively impacts their overall health and well-being.