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Taken from the Maui Breakfast Club August 9th, 2011: Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trains Maui, Health & Fitness Segment every Tuesday morning at 7:38 am on KNUI 900 AM. Listen here: Radio Segment
Throw away the diet books, thigh blaster or ab roller and if you live near any body of water, hop aboard and paddle to shed unwanted pounds now!
It sounds like an infomercial but I’m really serious. I’ve been helping people shed unwanted weight here on Maui and spreading the word for some time now, on how thousands of people are, as I wrote this article for ATHLETA; are literally “Sweeping Their Way to Health”. It’s really true. I’m hearing from so many people, besides seeing my clients and others around the world completely transform their bodies; paddling away the fat.
I wanted to share with you a couple nice entries of the many of received on how SUP has literally shaped their lives and bodies. It’s so inspiring and I hope they inspires you or someone you know who would like to enjoy losing unwanted weight. It is possible and it’s fun!
 Here, my dear friend and avid paddler Lucija Kordic, from Alameda, California, braves the chilly waters of the Bay Area and shares, ” My pants fit much differently now and I fit into some of my set-aside size 6 pants. SUP and intervals on the treadmill both make a difference!” Lucija is now training with me with her new SUP Endurance Program designed to help her improve her paddling strength and endurance for long distance racing. Go Lucy go! See you on Maui soon!
If you live in the Bay Area and want to get to know some paddle buddies, Lucija organizes casual paddling groups and is the ultimate host. This I’ve experienced myself. You can hook up with her group at: http://Meet.Up.com/East-Bay-SUP
I’ve received so many emails on how stand up paddling, also known as “SUP” is changing people’s lives and it just so happens that one of the keen health benefits is amazing weight loss. I’m not just talking loss of pounds, but more like shedding their old ways.
I’ve always encouraged my clients and everyone to find a sport, especially SUP, to enhance their current training as a cross training tool. What happens more times than not, is it becomes an obsession! Wow. Besides having to throw away hard earned money on marriage counselors, maybe a new pair of $80 Spanx, the moderate investment of one or two boards, paddles, leashes and some sunscreen can also result in relationship bonding. SUP is so easy, couples are losing weight together AND getting quality time paddling off into the sunset.
I’ve always found that most of my clients and people who write me, have had the light turn on in their lives with SUP. They have found their calling and are so taken with the sport, it consumes every waking hour. Now they have racks on their cars, very cool, hang out at the local SUP shop and talk “board talk” or what event they may register in, or simply enjoy the “healthy” camaraderie that develops along with wonderful new friendships.
This sport is very contagious and what comes along with is the healthy lifestyle. What a great bonus. As one develops their love for SUP, unknowingly, because your total body is getting a continuous workout; one can easily start to notice remarkable changes in their body. What is commonly noticed first, is one’s core strength. I’ve written so many articles about the power of the core for SUP, and how to train your core to get stronger to paddle stronger, it’s truly the first thing that people always say, “Wow it really works my core.”
In Redding, way North of my hometown, Sacramento, California lives Matt Ivey, very new to SUP and boy does he have the stoke and has he
 Matt Ivey Looking Great! gotten in great shape! He says he was his wife’s ginny pig and suggested he do SUP with her while she was pregnant and suggested that he join her too. Read the rest to see how he lost 10 lbs and also learn how SUP helped him manage some pretty serious injuries he had. He’s got big plans to grow SUP in his life and business.
Matt writes:
Suzie,
I just got into SUP about a month ago and I am totally hooked. I have lost about 10 lbs and my core/lower back are feeling the increase in strength. I love is so much my wife and I are adding SUP rentals, ecotours, lessons, and fitness/yoga classes. My wife is 20 weeks pregnant and she is a manager of a gymnastics gym. She has been using the SUP to stay in shape while she is pregnant and has been working on a fitness program. So that means I have been her ginny pig when it comes to testing her exercises on someone. I also like my alone time so every other day I have been paddling upstream on a local river for a hour.
I come from a background of playing sports and lifting heavy weights. Over the past 6 years I have broken and dislocated my left ankle, separated my right shoulder, tore one of the heads of my left bicep, broke my right thumb, and sprained my right mcl. I also have several degenerative disks in my back so needless to say I can no longer play the sports I once loved.
But what that also meant is that I could no longer lift weights in the gym. This lead to me becoming frustrated and out of shape. After relocating to a new town and stumbling on SUP (we had seen it on Maui 3 years ago but were more concerned with surfing) I was instantly hooked.
In fact I even had my wife take a before photo so I have something I can compare it to after I feel like I have reached my goal. I have also been incorporating a slackline into my balance and core training. Between the SUP and Slackline I feel like I have found a great routine that works for me.
 I could chat all day about SUP and what it has done for me mentally and physically. Both my wife and I have out degrees in Recreation Administration and Business so we are looking forward to putting our education and experience to use helping others share the passion we have for SUP. We have been following you and all that you have done for the SUP industry. Thanks for all of the inspiration and knowledge you share so well.
Matt Ivey
Adventure Recreation LLC
530-255-4505 Business
707-321-7224 Cell
adventurerecreation.co ( this is not a typo )
Thanks so much Lucija and Matt, and to the many others that wrote me and shared their SUP weight loss stories. As SUP grows so does the opportunity for more people to get fit and healthy. I really encourage those new to the sport to take the opportunity and feel and experience what all the buzz is about. As I always say, SUP will change your life.
To see all of my articles about how to get stronger for the sport of SUP, go to:
http://www.naishsurfing.com/sup-fitness/
If you’re on Maui in early November, stay tuned for more details on my SUP Cross Enduro Beach and Water Fun Fitness Challenge!
Paddle in good health friends,
 Suzie Cooney, CPT owner of Suzie Trains Maui
See Naish SUP Team Profile here: http://www.naishsurfing.com/team/suzie-cooney/
 I ride Naish boards. The line up for 2012 is unreal! We’ll have up to 31 boards like last year and the lines, designs and graphics are killer. I’m so stoked for the winter, monster swells and for some exciting Maliko runs. Check out the current line up here:
http://www.naishsurfing.com/boards/
 October 16, 2010 Maui was the place to be! Stand Up Paddling, or SUP is sweeping all around the world but a few wonderful, special women, got the glides of their lives and experienced a new found passion for a sport they can own and share with their friends and family. ( photos below in slideshow )
I had the pleasure of meeting so many dynamic, inspiring women today; all with the desire to learn or improve their skills in stand up paddling. There is something very cool about gathering a group of women together and sharing and adventure that is new and exciting. They all showed up right on time and at 6:45 on the dot, boards were off the cars and lined up on the beach.
After introductions, it was right into some active stretching with our paddles to prepare for the morning ahead. I promised no heavy push ups or sit ups, this time.. ! There was a small south swell running, and safety was on top of the agenda. I reviewed board safety, board features, paddle features and water safety. With experienced Maui waterwoman, Deb Driscoll, big wave SUP surfer, assiting me, we lined everyone up, and one by one, out we went, some for the first time ever experiencing what it’s like to paddle over a wave! All made it just fine past the break and then they got the thumbs up to STAND UP and go.. To help capture the day was Maui’s professional waterwoman and photographer, Julia Schweiger. Check out her website: http://www.jdphotofairy.com/
I have never had such a group that were such fast learners. It was so rewarding to see Susanna conquer her fears and before you know it, she was up and hoot’n and yelling and we were all clapping and whistling! Susanna, you are a shining star! She said that she was so thankful for Deb helping her and staying with her. All of the gals really did great. The winds never really came up too hard which allowed us to stay out longer.
Elizabeth charged! Mary I think you could have gone to Lahaina. It was the first time I was able to take a new crew on a little long distance challenge. Laurel and Mary and Gill leading the way. Julia Schweiger, our photographer and SUP racer herself; had to paddle hard with me catching them at the turn! What a workout. To really test them, we did some push ups, core planks and leg squat. Great job everyone!
As we came in, a few of them caught their first waves! Doesn’t matter if you’re on your knees, standing or sitting down.. you guys caught some rides. Now you know what it feels like!
We wrapped up the day with high fives and now with our new water friends, it was time to refuel and review what we learned. As their reward, my sponsors and supporters helped me fill a nice goody bag to add to the SUP experience. To be a proficient SUP paddler, you must have the right gear!
I’d like to thank those sponsors, Naish International and the Maui Naish Pro Center, Olukai Premium Footwear, ATHLETA,
Watermans Applied Science and the American Heart Association.
  
Here’s what some of the women had to say about the day:
Aloha Suzie:
Where do I begin….How can I express my sincere feelings of gratefulness to you. I cannot tell you how happy I was to be in your presence. Your energy was so moving, your sincerity was inspirational, and your beauty (inside and out) was amazing. Thank you so very much for sharing your knowledge and your love of the sport, (SUP) with women here on Maui and around the world. Thank you for empowering us with the tools we need to be strong, be fit, and be beautiful, healthy, women of the world. I totally appreciated your professionalism, your sweetness, and your true commitment to the sport. Thank you for enforcing safety both in the water and safety pertaining to our boards. Very necessary and important to always be aware that safety comes first. And most of all, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing me to participate in this past Saturdays’ clinic. I am so blessed to know such an amazing, compassionate, and beautiful woman. God’s blessings to you as you continue to empower women!!! Go for it Suzie!!!!! My Aloha Always, Sandy
Our love and aloha to Deb Driscoll for her love and encouragement as well. She was absolutely fabulous to all the women.
///
Dear Suzie,
Thank you so much for the clinic yesterday morning. For me the group and your leadership as well as Debs’ created an atmosphere that enabled me to push myself beyond my fears and see my strength emerge. The paddling was more fun than I can remember having in a long time and planted a seed to further my own growth as I look forward, stand up straight and paddle in the V shape as though I was flying free amongst a flock of birds on the wing.
Susanna
///
Dear Suzie,
What a lovely morning we had yesterday, with your SUP Women’s Clinic. You established such a friendly and relaxed tone, so “first timers” like me felt reassured and emboldened to simply “get up and paddle!” I was sure I’d be wobbling and falling but you connected with each one of us, and with your gentle enthusiasm you imbued us all with confidence. In no time at all we were paddling over coral-heads and out to a boat that was moored in the bay.
By starting early, we enjoyed calm conditions and fresh morning air ~ and our convivial group of ladies sure made for a very pleasant experience! It was very satisfying to learn a new skill, and be able to view our beautiful beaches from a whole new perspective.
Thank you so much for your sincere enthusiasm, the generous ‘goodie bags’ and for being such a kind and helpful instructor. I look forward to getting more info on your Makena Paddling excursion, when we’ll hopefully have a group reunion and discover another beautiful stretch of coastline…
Aloha and sincere thanks
from Gill (“Jill”) McBarnet,
Author and Illustrator of Hawaiian Children’s Books:
///
OMG, what a blast! What an amazing group of women. I had a great morning with you, all. Thank you, Suzie and Deb, for this wonderful clinic. I can’t believe how much I learned today. I’ll be at Puamana with my family tomorrow morning. Can’t wait to practice the quick turn and teach that to my family! Gabi, Laurel and Susanna are meeting me there, too. Hope rest of you can join us. Puamana is the last beach park before Lahaina.
I’m planing to join the full moon paddling.
Also, Gabi, Laurel, Gill and I like to do a longer distance puddling at Makena soon. I’ll let all of you know when so you can join us, too.
Happy puddling. ?(^o^)?
Sachi
283-6066
Ps
Thank you, Suzie, for the goodie bag, too.
///
Thanks so much for the fun morning of SUP. I learned some great tips. My 16 year old son wants to come with me for the full moon paddle and bring a friend. Is that OK? They are experienced. What a great sport when a teenager will participate with his mom.
Thanks for putting together such a nice gift bag.
Laurel
///
Dear Suzie,
Yes, I agree with all that has been written about the fantastic clinic that you ran yesterday. It was exactly what I imagined and hoped it would be–an invigorating and fun morning learning a new skill on the beautiful oceans of our paradise. I thank you kindly for you patient and thorough approach. Between you and Deb I felt very protected. I think I might have the bug now…I went again today with Sachi! It was thrilling to be out on the water today with my husband and my youngest son (they are wave surfers). Can’t wait until my oldest son comes home from college so I can be out there with him too. You’ve opened up new and incredible opportunities to me.
With a heart-felt thanks,
Gabi
Gabrielle Galler-Rimm, M.D.
Developmental &Behavioral Pediatrics
///
Thank you so much, for everything, Suzie! Bringing this group of women together made a perfect opportunity for me to get myself out there and try something new. All of the women were fantastic and so, so sweet. It’s always great to learn something in an atmosphere of such support — being the youngest one there, it was almost like I had a network of mothers to help me through it.  Even after claiming the trophy of falling first in the water, the little, encouraging tips you offered me got me in line right away! I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this clinic, and I know that anyone who wants to try SUP can do it, and they’ll love it! You are such an inspirational person, Suzie. Thank you so much for doing all you do to show us what we are capable of!
Mary
///
Hi Suzie, I can’t thank you enough for today. I have been so frustrated trying SUP without even knowing how to stand, hold my paddle or how to get in and out of the surf. You are such a delightful teacher-the stretches, the comraderie, the expertise out on the water, trying to catch those waves. I am absolutely sure that I now have a lifelong passion thanks to you!
Elizabeth
Wow, I’m so grateful to be able to experience a day like today. I will continue my mission and through these lovely women, the sport of SUP will continue to grow and be recognized as not only a great way to get in shape, but to spread to the world that we must take care of ourselves and our health. Might as well have some fun doing it!
 Deb Driscoll, Maui Big Wave SUP paddler and awesome assistant! A big mahalo to Deb Driscol, my assstant coach who shared such an enthusiatic, postive way of teaching. Julia, the photos say it all! Thank you for taking the time to stop by my website. I have one more clinic this year with just one opening, November 13th, 2010 here on Maui. After that, it’s off to Costa Rica and other fun places across the globe!
Get out and paddle and STAND UP for your health.
Aloha!
Suzie Cooney, CPT
Suzie Trains Maui http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com
You can also follow me and other events on Face Book:
http://www.facebook.com/suzietrainsmaui
Whether you’re an advanced athlete or re-entering fitness, enjoying your workout is important. We can all agree that working out has to be fun. Let’s face it, if it’s not fun, it’s not going to happen!
I’ve designed a simple workout for you to add to your current routine, or start fresh with this one. In my workouts, I always try to touch every muscle group, including the core, and also incorporate a little balance training. Everyone is so different and has different workout goals. But remember — we don’t want our bodies to plateau. I’ll often grab a workout that I’ve designed for one my clients and do theirs. Granted, I’ll adjust it to suit my training needs, but it’s fun, it’s different and I love it.
This workout will be about 45 minutes and offers a little something for everyone. I recommend you try it first in the order I’m presenting, especially the warm up and the core work. You can mix and match the strength training portion in any way that suits you. I like to save abs for last since they support us all throughout the workout.
Equipment: Medicine ball (4-8 pounds), resistance tubing with handles, tube circle or Thera-Band®, stability ball, dumbbells (5-15 pounds).
Training Tip: When you change “variables” in your training routine, your body will likely respond more quickly vs. doing the same old thing. A variable may be increasing or decreasing the number of reps, changing the order in which you select the exercise, changing the platform you are training on; such as an inflatable disc, or increasing the amount of weight used for the exercise.
Let’s begin…
Active Warm Up
I prefer and recommend my clients to do active warm up exercises vs. static stretching (stretches where you hold the stretch for a period of time). It can be a quick spin on the stationary bike, walk on the treadmill for 5 minutes, or try the exercise below.
 
To the rest of this informative article on total body training, go to: http://www.athleta.net/chi/2010/10/08/a-total-body-workout-for-everyone/
To inquire about training with Suzie Cooney, CPT of Suzie Trains Maui, future SUP clinics, Private SUP/ Fitness Adventure Bookings click here
http:www.suzietrainsmaui.com
 photo by Simone Reddingius As most of you know, SUP or stand up paddling is a big part of my life and I enjoy teaching others and sharing the health benefits of this sport.
Here is an article I wrote for ATHELTA to share my knowledge and enthusiam for how I see the sport shaping the world but more importantly, how it’s getting more people healthy.
I encourage you to read and share how SUP has benefitted your health! Click here to read the full story:
http://www.athleta.net/chi/2010/08/20/stand-up-and-%E2%80%9Csweep%E2%80%9D-your-way-to-better-health/
Well, by the overwhelming response and stories I read as one of the judges for the most recent ATHLETA and SIREN SUP contest, one can say that any age, any person can “sweep” their way to better health, just about anywhere there is water. People all across the world are “sweeping” their way to better health and having more fun than they ever imagined. “Sweeping” is a slang term used to describe the sport that is going viral faster than any social networking media and changing the world of sports on any body of water — and just about anyone can hop aboard.
Stand up paddling, paddle surfing, or SUP is helping people of all ages and sizes catch the surfer’s glide, and helping people in all walks of life get fit and healthy, faster and safer. People are simply getting addicted. The Wall Street Journal recently reported on the rise in popularity — not just for those, like me, who are fortunate enough to live in Hawaii or California, but anywhere there’s an ocean, lake, bay, or even river rapids, you can find this world phenomenon catching on. There are SUP fitness boot camps and clinics popping up anywhere there is water. You may have noticed more races and events happening in your community too.
Below are some photos of a recent FREE women’s Sup clinic last month, and these gals were wonderful. In the first hour, there were smiles across the ocean and a new found ticket to health. I do these monthly to ensure the health of our community and introduce women and men to a new way to get fit! For “fun” I had the girls attempt a few push ups. They were amazing. On the right is Amy Hampton, the Director of Maui’s American Heart Association, getting her heart pumping!
 
WHAT’S SUP?
According to Wikipedia: Stand up paddle surfing (SUP), or in the Hawaiian language Hoe he’e nalu, is an emerging global sport with a Hawaiian heritage. The sport is an ancient form of surfing, and began as a way for surfing instructors to manage their large groups of learner surfers, as standing on the board gave them a higher viewpoint, increasing visibility of what was going on around them — such as incoming swell. To begin with, this started with using a one-bladed paddle, whilst standing on a normal length surfboard. The popularity of the modern sport of SUP has its origination in the Hawaiian Islands. In the early 1960s, the Beach Boys of Waikiki would stand on their long boards, and paddle out with outrigger paddles to take pictures of the tourists learning to surf. This is where the term “Beach Boy Surfing”, another name for Stand Up Paddle Surfing, originates.
THE BENEFITS OF SUP
Not only can you lower your blood pressure, improve your cholesterol and feel more energized after a session, but the overall experience of being on the water is often touted as “aqua therapy.” The benefits of having a sport you enjoy and can do on a regular basis can alter many of the morbidity factors that decrease our health and plague our society.
I use this sport as a cross-training tool for almost all my clients who are comfortable in the water and who can swim. It is low impact on all joints and is also being used to improve balance and core strength for people recovering from serious injuries. I used my stand up paddle board to recover from a serious bilateral leg and ankle accident. I have also witnessed this sport transform people’s lives overnight, by instilling a new found level of confidence and achievement, making them feel invincible!
As a sponsored team SUP rider for Naish International, instructor, and SUP clinic organizer, I love to introduce the sport to everyone who visits Maui, and help others perfect their paddling stroke — from flat water fun to waves, and the really popular coastal long distance down winders we do here on the North Shore of Maui.
But, before you hop aboard, I’d like to offer my professional experience and expert resources about water safety, board and paddle selection, and how to maximize your fun to maximize your health so you can glide into your later years with a smile and healthy body!
WATER SAFETY
Continue reading ATHLETA Article: Stand Up and Sweep Your Way to Better Health by Suzie Cooney August 2010
August 28, 2010 Maui, Hawaii
Anyone who has had the luxury of visiting or living on Maui, can only describe the beauty of the ocean. Having the opportunity to experience it, play in it, and making it a part of one’s healthy lifestyle, one can only be so fortunate.
Once again, I had the pleasure of meeting some fine women of Maui who joined me in this experience. These women charged on the water and did it with confidence, grace and power.
 A Healthy Day of Fun on Maui Stand up paddling ( SUP ) offers all of that. Today we also had a surprise, a small pod of curious dolphins! Rarely do I see them so close in and it really made for a memorable experience!
Meet Jenn, Peggy, Stacey, Monica, Janet and Amanda. What a cool group of gals. Of course we laughed, splashed and tried a few moves on the board that caused a few grunts ( Stacey….. ). What I also thought was great, is that we traded boards now and then to feel the different types of board that offered new challenges. Some boards were less stable, some more. Their paddling strokes by the end of the hour were very impressive. I had a stubborn droplet of water on my camera, so sorry for the blurry photos!
 Peggy Thank you, thank you, thank you Suzie! Saturday was an amazing day for me. I was definitely apprehensive about my capabilities. I have terrible balance, but I really wanted to learn a sport that would let me enjoy the ocean. Your instruction and encouragement gave me the confidence to try and I had so much fun (even if I did spend more time in the water than everyone else)! I now feel confident in learning the basics and I know that I can easily get back up when I fall. Enjoying the peaceful morning with a great group of women and seeing dolphins made the experience that much more special. I can’t wait until I can go out again! Thank you again, you really are an inspiration! And also thank you for the goody bag and to your wonderful sponsors, Naish, OluKai, and the American Heart Association, who so generously donated to our goody bag.
P.S. I didn’t want to return my rented board without getting a bit more practice. I met my husband and we went to Wailea Beach. I showed him what I had learned and then he too gave it a try. He’s not much of a water person but he shared my enthusiasm and so next time we’ll rent two boards and practice together. My goal is to purchase boards and make this a regular part of our life. And hopefully, inspire my daughters too! Thank you. Peggy, Kula
Thanks to Suzie I can now call myself a Stand-up Paddler! I had tried many times, to stand up on a board, and always failed. It was so frustrating. I could never get my balance. Taking Suzie’s clinic taught me all the little “secrets” and tid-bits that you would not know on your own or a friend won’t tell you. I was up standing and paddling immediately and kept it going the whole time! Although I’m sure my form was not it’s best, I felt like a pro. I have since gone by myself with no problems at all. I am now purchasing a board and will make it a point to get out there as often as I can. Great exercise, great scenery and great fun! Thank you Suzie! You are a dream!! Stacey, Kihei
 Hi Suzie!
Wow! Thank you so much for the AMAZING and INSPIRING free women’s SUP clinic you held today. With absolutely perfect weather and your constantly cheerful and encouraging attitude it could not have been any better. We were greeted by lake like conditions and Suzie’s contagious zest for life.
Starting it off with helpful safety tips and a little basic SUP 101 we were off! It’s amazing how much more confidant I was entering the water today after getting some tips from a real pro.Once we were out and up, Suzie paid careful attention to each and every one of us individually as well as collectively; and continued to coach and encourage us all.
Continue reading Women’s FREE Stand Up Paddling Clinic on Maui with Suzie Cooney and Dolphins Too!
 Girl Power!! July 24, 2010 : Maui, Women’s Free SUP Clinic with Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trains Maui
Wow, we couldn’t have asked for a better day here on Maui! Water clear and calm, and lots of smiles of success! We arrived at 7am and boards off the car and ready to rock! In the line up, Lark, Karen, Amy, Suki, Joan, Elaine and Rhonda was my assistant “sweeper”.
I was so impressed with the enthusaim and immediate skill with these eager gals, I just couldn’t believe it. We started with some light stretching and then we discussed the importance of water and board safety, followed by land instruction and off we went past the small break.
( see comments below from participants)
A special thanks to “Coach” from the Naish Maui Pro Center, for filling our goody bags with awesome beach towels. Also a big thanks to Matthew from OluKai Premium Footwear for our special VIP cards. I love my OluKais! And lastly to Amy Hampton who also joined us, who is the director of the Maui American Heart Association, and gave us healthy recipe books and walking pedometers to encourage our goals of living a healthy lifestyle!
Here’s a fun slide show that shows off these sporty wahinee’s SUP skills.
“Today was really special, made so by a beginner’s Standup Paddleboard lesson for women by a woman, Suzie Cooney — fitness trainer/paddleboard racer/and model.
I have to admit, though, that I did have some deep reservations. Would I be able to standup without repeatedly falling off? Would my inexperience keep me from the experience? And, more importantly, would I still have my two front teeth afterward?
Well, I’m happy to say that my worries faded away almost as soon as I met Suzie, who with her calm and confident manner shortly had me feeling much the same way! We started with stretching exercises, water awareness and proper board techniques, all of which gave us a better understanding of what we were about to face. Then with boards and paddles in hand, off we slipped into the ocean, belly butterflies in tow.
Within minutes we were all standing and paddling this way and that. Photos were taken, laughs were shared, boards were traded and at one point we even did pushups on them! How’s that for new-found confidence?
I guess it proves the theory correct, that if the instructor is all she should be, so shall we be all we can. Funny how that works because today, one woman – Suzie — instilled new confidence in six other women — through Standup Paddleboarding! Now that was really special!”
Elaine from Lahaina
“Suzie –
I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful morning. As you know I’m not a regular “water person”. My first time trying SUP, I wouldn’t have imagined I would have had such a good time. Your instruction and coaching made it a great experience. As you saw when we were out there I couldn’t stop smiling. Your tips and encouragement made all the difference. Meeting all the girls was great, what a great way to spend a beautiful morning. I’ll be looking forward to the next time I can get out there with you. Thanks for being such a good teacher, friend, and example of an empowered woman. I always feel so cared for when I join you on one of your adventures.” With Love and Aloha, Lark from Makawo
“If you haven’t taken a SUP clinic from Suzie yet, I highly encourage you to do so! Her enthusiasm for the sport is infectious and very obvious in the way she handles both herself and the participants. She takes great time and care in helping us to prepare both mind and body through stretching exercises and safety awareness before we enter the water. And she does it in a way that is fun and enjoyable. Once we are on the water, the fun continues and I can guarantee that you will lose track of time and not want to get out. Thank you, Suzie, for your time and patience in empowering women to be healthy and active through the sport of stand-up board paddling!” Rhonda, Makawao
“Aloha Suzie,
Thank you and Naish for sponsoring a truly special day. The day was everything I could have imagined and more. You are such a professional from the first phone call to the follow up emails. Your love for life shines through and makes everyone around you happy to be out on the water with you. (even when you had us doing 20 push-ups on our SUP boards!) Your SUP instruction was why I came to a SUP clinic and I was not disappointed. However, it is the joy I felt sharing the day with such an amazing group of women that I will remember always. Suzie’s love for the ocean and desire to share health and fitness is inspirational. Mahalo for a wonderful experience!!!” Karen Gallagher
“Thank YOU so much Suzie!
I had such a great time with you and ladies out on the water yesterday! It can be intimidating to try a new sport like SUP (especially for women) but your safety briefing and instruction instantly put me at ease as a first-timer. I appreciated your taking the time to tell us about all the different options for equipment and the goody bags were amazing! I look forward to paddling with you again soon!
Thanks again!” Amy Hampton, Kihei, Director of Maui American Heart Association
I am so glad to know these women and may this special day inspire you and everyone you know to be as healthy as you can be. Now get out there and paddle!!!
See you on the water, your fan, Suzie Cooney.
http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com
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Stop by and see Coach and the rest of his great team at the Maui Naish Pro Center, 111 Hana Hwy in Kahului.
 
Suzie Cooney Joins the Naish Team
Naish has recently signed team rider Suzie Cooney, Maui’s most recognized personal trainer. Suzie uses SUP as a training tool and a way to inspire people toward a healthy lifestyle. She has sponsors and supporters such as ATHLETA, Kaenon Polarizedand, OluKai Premium Footwear, and the American Heart Association. Check out Suzie’s website and blog and watch for upcoming clinics, coupons and physical fitness tips. Welcome aboard, Suzie!
You can see Suzie’s website and blog at:
http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com
http://www.standuppaddlingfitness.com/
Join her Face Book Page:
http://www.facebook.com/suzietrainsmaui
The New Wave of Balance Training:
See Athleta’s Featured Chi Article here: http://www.athleta.net/chi/2010/04/15/the-new-wave-of-balance-training/
Suzie Cooney • Apr 15th, 2010 • Category: Gym+Training, Tips From a Pro
Now you don’t have to be in Maui to catch this new wave in fitness training, and you don’t have to be a big wave surfer to get the benefits of my new favorite piece of training equipment. But before I reveal this cool new training platform, I want to talk about the importance of preparing your body for anything!
Whether you’re training for your first trail running race or simply want to prevent yourself from any unwelcome stumbles or falls, balance training is an integral part of everyone’s fitness routine—no matter what age or what sport you enjoy.
We’ve all missed a step or have felt our ankle buckle and you say, “Whew, glad I caught that one.” Almost one year ago now, I landed on the bottom step of my home for the millionth time and…. WHAMMO-snap-break-tear. In under 2 seconds, I found myself in the dark at the bottom of the landing searching for my cell phone to call my boyfriend for help. My left ankle and leg were broken, and right leg ligaments torn, which led to two months in a wheelchair.
You would think that as a fitness professional and athlete, I’d be ready for anything. The one element I did not mention was that the landing was completely dark so my brain had no awareness of what to do when I hit the bottom. I’m positive had I been able to see my landing I may have had a better chance at recovery.
We rely on our senses more than we realize. Our senses tell our body where our limbs are at all times. If our joints are not strong or flexible enough to react to our environment, it can result in down time or, worse yet, a serious injury. In my case, my eyes could not assist me to help assess and catch my fall. So part of balance training is actually brain training to navigate your body safely through any obstacles that may come in your path.
BALANCE TRAINING EXERCISES & EQUIPMENT
Balance training can be as simple as standing on one leg or as exciting as feeling what it would be like to surf or try the new craze of stand up paddling! My clients can’t wait to hop aboard a surf board or a stand up paddle board with me and practice surfing down the line, but more importantly working on improving their balance—and they don’t even get wet!
There’s quite a few balance training devices that will progress you safely, so best to start out simply. Part of my evaluation for every client involves balance testing. It’s quite a surprise to learn about your own balance, and which leg may be more dominant than the other. I achieve this with a simple piece of hard dense foam roller cut in half. I test all planes of motion with the progression of two legs (stable) to one leg (less stable).
As a client progresses with me, then it’s time to introduce the Giganté! You don’t have to know how to surf or stand up paddle. The Giganté (the first “G” is pronounced with an “h”), made by Indo Board, is a giant inflatable disc that allows for a new way to have fun and improve your balance. It gets all the small muscles that support the hip, knees and ankles to work together while you balance on a four-way rubber platform! And of course, all the while your core is working hard to center and ground you.
Here I’ve got two Gigantés inflated halfway (about 6 inches) with the nubby side up under a longer stand up paddle board. I use the paddle to assist me up to the board and then to mimic my paddling motions. I can also add a weighted body bar. Your ankles and feet may get a little fatigued from tension the first couple of times, but as your brain begins to register the information and send it back to the muscles and nerves that assist you in your balance challenge, each time you get better, stronger and more confident each time!
PROGRESSIVE CHALLENGE
Balance training, as mentioned earlier, should follow a safe progression. For more challenge, the progression is to remove one Giganté disc, grab a smaller board and increase the inflation of the disc (the disc easily inflates by blowing it up like a beach ball after you remove the pin). Now we’re ready for more action and our balance challenge just got more interesting!
The disc is now inflated up to its max of 12 inches tall. This disc is so sensitive to my every movement—it feels like it’s reading my mind. I need to keep my upper body and feet loose and maintain good posture. As I begin to paddle, the board responds like I was surfing in more intense conditions. Fitness training was never so much fun. My legs also get a great workout!
With the Giganté, I will also sit on it and try to keep my body balanced on it that way—an excellent core workout at the same time. You can also simply lay down on it in a prone position with your arms extended above your head like Superman (or woman)! This is really an amazing test of core strength and balance, and is sure to make you giggle while you wiggle! By squeezing your glutes and legs together behind you, feet off ground and lifting your chest while keeping your head down, you’ll find your center balance point—or what I like to call the sweet spot. Wow, simply amazing.
One thing I’d like to mention: While starting any balance program or exercise, practice your exercise of choice without looking down. That’s not to say don’t look where your feet go for proper placement and body alignment, but in this case, I want to look down the wave or where I’m going. It’s easier on the brain and your performance will improve dramatically. You can also practice your balance moves in front of a long mirror, which I find very helpful.
Make balance training a part of your fitness routines and you’ll be ready for anything!
Aloha! Suzie Cooney, CPT
Suzie Trains Maui http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com also check out: http://www.suziemodelsmaui.com
Follow Suzie on Face Book: http://www.facebook.com/suzietrainsmaui
Call me today if I can help you get in the shape of your life! You can be strong on and off the water!
Click here to go to Athleta http://www.athleta.net/chi/2010/03/01/born-to-run-free-barefoot-running/
Born Free: Barefoot Running
Suzie Cooney • Mar 1st, 2010 • Category: Run
 I’ve just stepped into a new world! I guess I’ve been caught in a jungle of rubber and synthetic materials for too long. In the past few months, the topic of barefoot running has weaved its way into my training sphere and conversations, and I’ve become more and more curious.
Coming from a background in sports orthopedics and other medical specialties, I’m highly intrigued by recent studies touting significant findings for the benefits of running barefoot, versus running with traditional supportive shoes and the complications that can result. The results are well supported. For example, in a January 7th posting, Orthopedics Today discusses a recent study showing that “running in shoes exerts more stress on the knees, hips and ankles than running barefoot or walking in high heeled shoes.”
My personal orthopedic resource, local Maui physician Clay Everline MD, Seton Hall University Clinical Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic SurgeryBoard Certified in Sports Medicine and Internal Medicine, and founder of Waves of Health, shared his thoughts with me. “One thing I enjoy about the FiveFingers® is the increased proprioception from the spread toes and the molded arch support. It nearly forces you to run with proper biomechanics. Barefoot running is natural running where the foot contact with the ground helps you correct your stride by sensory biofeedback.”
The FiveFingers referred to by Dr. Everline is a barefoot running shoe from Vibram that is wildly popular and accommodates many other sports beyond running. You may take a second look at this gecko-like foot cover. They weigh about 6.7 ounces and can be custom tailored up to a size EEE. Running a marathon in animal pad-like rubber sheaths seems really interesting, and is getting noticed in the running world. There are barefoot running blogs with serious topics and conversations that cover everything from lack of arch support to “do everything” barefoot. Some tout their back pain has been cured by the change that has occurred in their posture. Others claim they no longer suffer from plantar fasciitis or other stresses to the foot and ankle joint causes by soft, fluffy shoes.
As an experiment for this article, I recently took a few laps in the sugar cane fields here on the North Shore of Maui to try barefoot running for myself. I thought of the movie Born Free and running not from the lions, but with them at early dawn in my new raw feet. While it took dodging a few sticker bushes, rocks and unsuspecting cane roots jutting out from the raw dirt itself, I actually was digging it! I liked feeling the traction I could get between my toes and the direct contact was great.
Now I didn’t run a lot of miles — just enough to get a real feel (and get the shot!). I also experienced an incredible connection to the earth, as I discovered those that ran before me have expressed the same. My feet were stained for a bit by the rich red minerals in the dirt, but all was good.
 Here on Maui, our feet are pretty tough from walking over the rocks to the water to surf, fish and windsurf in some spots, or just from literally flattening out over time without wearing regular shoes. Many locals and others prefer to hike barefoot in the slippery jungles, or with a split toe aquatic shoe called Tabis. Going to the mainland in real shoes is no longer that simple. Our feet get a little wider and more swollen from our lifestyle. Forget my Italian shoes! Most of our days on Maui are spent barefoot, and no one ever wears shoes in one’s home except at fancy parties or other rare occasions. But since I wear supportive shoes in my day-to-day training with clients, I’m more used to it than most.
BAREFOOT RUNNING TIPS
Before you toss your sneakers and hit the ground, literally, it’s best to take a few precautions. If you tend to pronate or if you are more flat-footed, it’s highly suggested to ease into the bed of something with some support. If you try one of the special shoes designed for barefoot running, proper sizing is important. Most people who use custom orthotics to help correct biomechanical deviations need to consult with their specialist and adjust accordingly.
Dr. Everline also says, “Watch out for sharp rocks and sticks! Barefoot running should be avoided by those who have diabetes, specifically diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and other sensory problems of the feet, due to increased risk of infections from cuts that go unnoticed. Feet should be meticulously checked after each session if going completely barefoot. Cuts should be cleaned and dressed.” So be careful of medical conditions that may contraindicate this new style of running — always check with your own doctor first.
You will also need to change your gait as you walk or run (see Mary’s recent article Cross Training and Injury Prevention with more info about gait for runners). Most of us strike the ground with our heels first and this seems more natural. We all seem used to the cushy, supportive shoes that cradle our feet with very thick soles. Practice landing softly on the balls of your feet or more mid-foot. Your calves and ankles will also get stronger, and you can learn to run with less impact and torque on your body and joints.
Start with short distances to build the supportive muscles of the foot, and be mindful of hard running surfaces such as asphalt or concrete. Look for softer surfaces at first, like hard pack dirt, the sand, grassy parks or special cork tracks. Additionally, it can take up to 2 weeks to get your legs and muscles used this new form of running.
If you’re a barefoot runner, please share your experience!
Aloha, Suzie Cooney, CPT
 Quick Reactions and Good Balance Can Make a Better Stand Up Paddler by Suzie Cooney of Suzie Trains Maui
Whether you surf the big waves of Maui’s North Shore or touring the beautiful channels and waterways of Jupiter, Florida, or on Lake Tahoe, it’s known that if you have good balance and can respond quickly to changing water conditions or obstacles that can come in your path; better chances for a more enjoyable SUP session.
Time and time again I’ve had to call upon some of the tiniest muscles, to fire fast and respond to get me out of trouble or to dodge a turtle on the same wave! I’ve also encountered large pieces of floating debris, strange breaking waves, or other people in my line that I had to have quick reaction times and good balance for recovery to get my footing back.
As a trainer and water sports enthusiast, I’ve always encouraged the importance of trying to mimic similar conditions in your workout program on land. You can keep it really simple or add some fun equipment too.
To me, balance training is like brain training. Without getting too technical, it’s like adding a few more wires to our brain or panels so you’re ready for anything. One technical term I will use is called neuromuscular training. The definition simply means selecting specific exercises that are very specific to increase one’s performance, and trigger the appropriate actions to allow your nervous system to operate and perform functionally at its maximal level.
Your eyes, core, and all of the muscles connected to your central nervous system have an important role to quickly gather information, route it to the right department and fire away. Ever had the feeling like you’re moving in slow motion while during a serious wipe out? I have. It’s the strangest feeling. I’m not sure I’m fond of it and I try really hard to have cat like reactions and excellent balance to avoid that.
Stand up paddling, as simple as it looks does in fact require a little balance when you’re beginning and as you advance. When you’re learning, you’re so busy turning the paddle in the right direction, looking at the horizon and more than likely, gripping the deck with every single muscle in your foot, leading to early fatigue.
Once you’re up and gliding there’s not much to it. But, as you step into your first wave or go down in the size of your board, you may discover you need a little better balance or to retrain your brain to learn again.
Next time you’re in the gym or in your own home gym, start practicing a couple balance techniques to keep your brain and muscles fine tuned.
Equipment: The BOSU, INDO Board, my KIALOA paddle and an 8lb medicine ball or 12 -15lb body bar.
These are advanced moves, so start out slowly and progress safely:
 1. BOSU, dome side down with paddle, medicine ball or body bar:
I’ve actually taken a bit of sand paper to roughen up the plastic side of my BOSUs to aid in traction, or have sand on my feet! I recommend barefoot so you can really get the feel of the movements of the BOSU. Step on safely, feet parallel to the plug, posture nice and tall, relaxed looking ahead. Take your paddle, medicine ball or body bar and start to paddle 2 strokes each side. Switch off to mix it up. As you move your arms out and to the side, notice how sensitive the BOSU becomes. I like to try and go to fatigue or until my legs scream!
2. INDO Board on top of dome of BOSU: see photo up topPlace the INDO Board itself on top of the dome of the BOSU. I like to have a little less board off the back to I can really pretend I’m heading down the line. Or if you’re more comfortable to start, place the INDO board so it’s nicely balanced in the center. Change it up. You can place your feet side by side as if you’re cruising and do it that way, or if you’re charging some waves, assume the surf stance.
This time you’ll notice the added extra burn to your back carving leg at the same time looking ahead where you want to go, down the line.
Good balance for stand up paddling is key and important for many things we do in life. Next time you’re on the water, try paddling on one foot, or simply standing on one foot. In the gym, try kneeling on a stability ball for extra fun. Be sure to hang onto a sturdy object at first. Add more air to the stability ball to make it more challenging and fun.
Any questions about these exercises or to learn more, feel free to email me at Suzie@SuzieTrainsMaui.comor check out www.suzietrainsmaui.com and www.standuppaddlingfitness.com
Glide with good posture, react fast and paddle hard!
Aloha, Suzie Cooney, CPT of Suzie Trains Maui
Suzie is a Pro Team SUP Rider for Naish International. Check out her profile here! Follow Suzie on Face Book: http://www.facebook.com/suzietrainsmaui
Suzie is wearing shorts from Athleta click here. 
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