Nothing says summer like a day at the beach! And what better way to enjoy the sun, sand, and waves than by taking your fitness to the beach? With the perfect combination of strength and cardio workouts, as well as beach-specific exercises, you can maximize your beach experience and reap the benefits of exercising in the great outdoors. From a full-body workout to improved mobility, taking your fitness to the beach is an ideal way to get fit and have fun.
The sand provides resistance
When it comes to working out on the beach, one of the most beneficial aspects is the fact that the sand provides resistance. Unlike traditional workouts in a gym, you don’t have to worry about your equipment slipping or sliding. When you run, jump, and move in the sand, it helps to strengthen your muscles and improve your overall strength. Not only does it provide resistance for strength training exercises, but it can also be used for cardio workouts too. The sand creates an extra challenge when it comes to running and can help improve your cardio performance. In addition to the physical benefits, running on the beach has also been linked to improved mental health. The calming sound of the waves can help put your mind at ease and keep you motivated while you work towards your beach body goals.
The water is a great cool-down
If you’re looking for an alternative to the treadmill or elliptical to cool down, the beach is the perfect place. Taking a dip in the ocean can be a refreshing way to end your workout and help you reach your beach body goals. You can even do some low-intensity swimming or paddling to help get your heart rate back to its resting state. If you don’t want to take a dip in the ocean, simply running through the shallows or walking in the sand can also be great cooling exercises that will help you make progress towards your beach body goals.
The beach is a great place to people watch
From young couples frolicking in the waves to families playing volleyball, a trip to the beach is always full of fascinating people-watching opportunities. You can observe people of all ages, cultures, sizes and shapes interacting and enjoying their time in the sun. People watching can also be a fun way to mix up your workout routine by getting inspiration from those around you. Watching others do an activity can give you ideas for what types of exercises you might want to try yourself! Or if you're looking to stay motivated on a hot summer day, people watching can give you an extra boost of energy just seeing how much fun others are having. The beach also provides a great place to make new friends, as most people are more than willing to strike up a conversation while they’re out on the sand. So take advantage of the beach and all it has to offer - especially the great opportunity to people watch!
You can get a great workout in without feeling like you're working out
When you're working out at the beach, it doesn't feel like a typical workout. There are so many different activities you can do on the beach and in the water that provide a great workout without feeling like work. A few activities to try include swimming, running, bodyweight exercises, beach yoga, and more. Swimming is an amazing low-impact exercise that will get your heart rate up while also providing relief to any sore muscles or joints. Running on the beach is another great way to get a full-body workout as the sand provides extra resistance, making it even harder than running on a pavement. Bodyweight exercises such as squats, lunges, burpees, and push-ups are also great ways to work up a sweat and target specific muscle groups at the same time. Beach yoga is also a great way to stretch out and move your body in new ways. It's also a great way to combine both physical and mental health benefits into one workout. The best part about all these activities is that they don't feel like traditional workouts because you're in such an enjoyable setting!
