Looking from a distance, it seems like the miracle of “walking on water” but it is actually floating on water, standing up. The sport is called stand-up paddleboarding, and it’s Miami’s latest fitness craze.

Standing on a 12-foot board, you paddle over the ocean, and whoever experiences it gets hooked. If you’re looking for an intense core and upper-body workout, this is it. Balancing on the board works your core muscles and paddling hits every muscle from your arms to your abdominals and your back. But ladies, don’t worry that your arms will get bulky. It takes a lot of pumping weights until you get to that point.

You can work these muscles in a gym so why is stand-up paddleboarding such an addictive sport?

Because you spend time with nature.

Most South Floridians spend the majority of their lives inside, at their home or work. But exercising outdoors lets you enjoy hours of peace and quiet. Who said yoga is the only way to meditate? With one hour of floating over the ocean, you can watch the sunrise or sunset, feel the calm ocean breeze and watch amazing sea life pass underneath you.

“You are only 100 yards away from land, and it feels like you are in another universe,” says South Beach resident Nicolas Torrent. “I like to go early in the morning, right when the sun is rising. During the summer the ocean is ideal.”

Keep in mind that for it to be paddleboarding and not surfing, the ocean needs to be flat. That is why sunset or sunrise is the ideal time. If there is still a little break of waves, you need to go past it until you reach the total flat zone. And remember: Stay informed about conditions of the current so you don’t lose control of your board.

When you reach a flat zone, stand in the middle of the board, facing forward with your knees slightly bent so you can balance. Then start rowing, usually three to four strokes on each side, always focusing on keeping the balance. If you see a school of fish underneath you, do not panic! That will only make you fall right into them.

“It is so rewarding when I get to see dolphins, stingrays, even turtles during my daily exercise,” says Leila Paul. “I used to be so afraid of being in the ocean, and now I can’t wait to get off work and grab my board and go paddle around for a few hours. Not to mention the fact that my tan has never been better!”

Stand-up paddleboarding is becoming a fever all around, including with celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Matthew McConaughey. It is a solid workout that gives you amazing results, peace of mind and the perfect tan!

It’s the miracle workout.