It may just seem like a way for celebs to give photo opps even while vacationing, but stand-up paddleboarding is a seriously fun way to stay active and a killer full body workout you don’t have to be famous to enjoy.

Paddle boarding is making waves as the next big outdoor water sport that many believe is replacing surfing as the best way to beach board to tone and sculpt your body.  Paddleboards are thicker and wider than traditional surfboards so instead of laying on your belly to travel and paddling with your arms, you can stand and propell yourself forward with a long oar.

While the bigger board gives you more stability, your core and leg muscles have to work hard to maintain balance and control.  Paddling through the water gives you a great upper body strength workout and additional core work as you fight to keep your middle centered against the resistance of the water.  The result?  A toned physique, tons of calories burned and an awesome tan.

Since the new sport is fairly new on the scene, you may not have seen too many people paddling around your area, but you can give paddleboarding a try pretty much anywhere there is water: lakes, rivers, or near the beach.  Once you get comfortable, you can try rougher, faster moving waters, or even catch a few waves. You can buy stand-up paddleboard equipment online, on sites like StandUpPaddleFlatWater.com, or rent equipment from beaches and vacation spots.

This summer, branch out of your usual workout routine.  Combine fun and fitness by grabbing a paddleboard, an oar, and a few friends and hit the beach.

(Image Via: IslandSportShop.com)