7 reasons to fall in love with sailing

Healthy muscles, improved form, better concentration... and last but not least a feeling of joy and lightness. Not only is sailing great, fun, and soothing, but it has many benefits for your body and mind. Here are they:

1. Strong muscles and improved balance

The Voyagewith a smaller boat requires a wide range of physical skills just to get from point A to point B. Moving around the boat in bad weather means that you have to get into the role of gymnasts. This improves your ability to balance and at the same time strengthen your leg muscles, deep abdominal muscles, and almost the entire “core” of your body. Pulling the ropes and raising the sails, which are essential for proper maneuvering of the boat, in turn strengthens your upper body. It also trains your agility, endurance, fine motor skills, flexibility and hand-eye coordination.

2. Intense Cardio

Floating engages a variety of muscles, but it also gets your lungs in shape. Sailing is also a great cardio workout that increases heart rate and improves blood flow. To make sure your body gets enough oxygen, your lungs need to work at maximum capacity... your body condition will improve and your cardiovascular system will appreciate it. In fact, frequent cardio exercise reduces the risk of hypertension, obesity and other chronic diseases. When we talk about sailing, the benefits of this cardio workout are further enhanced by the better quality of the air you breathe surrounded by the sea.

Read more: Ode to the water: How different zodiac signs behave when they go on a yacht adventure

3. Better psyche

Being on board, away from your usual worries, is in itself good for the mind. But sailing combines moments of Zen tranquility with the need for complete concentration. The mind becomes even calmer. The salt water around also supports this. The charged ions help the body absorb oxygen, which in turn balances serotonin levels. And the more balanced the levels of serotonin in your body, the happier you will feel.

4. Stronger bones

When exposed to sunlight, the body produces vitamin D. It is essential for our bones and helps the proper absorption of calcium. The influence of the sun is crucial, since up to 90% of the vitamin D that our body receives comes from sunlight. On a boat you can enjoy sunbathing almost all the time. But be sure to apply a cream with a UV factor. So you will prevent damage to the skin. Wear a hat and sunglasses to minimize the risk of headaches and eye strain.

5. Improved concentration

To sail safely, you need to focuson sailing. To be here and now. And this is something that our distracted souls, constantly struggling with multitasking and ubiquitous communication technologies, can do well. Sailing has an extremely positive effect on your mental state and your ability to concentrate. Plus, the fact that you have to manage appliances, but at the same time rely on the wind, waves... and possibly the people around you, develops quick decision-making skills.

6. Reduced stress levels

Unless you're prone to seasickness (and if you're not feeling well), the rocking of the boat and the noise of the waves splashing into its walls can create a real sense of calm. This can help reduce stress levels. It can also calm your mind, which will also strengthen your body's defenses.

7. Better spatial awareness and vision

Handling a boat requires a good understanding of the space you are in. You need to quickly estimate how much space the boat needs to maneuver without coming into contact with other vessels or objects. Especially when you're moored at a port. As a result, sailing helps to improve spatial perception and depth perception, which will also help you a lot if you are a driver.