The beach is a great place to work on your tan, but it’s also a fabulous place to work on your physique. There are dozens of exercises you can do at the beach that will provide you with tremendous health benefits. What’s more, the sun, fresh air and gorgeous views serve as distractions that help make working out more tolerable.
While cross training at the beach is a wonderful way to burn calories and sculpt your body, there are some factors you should consider before hitting the sand, including:
*Sun safety: Before you begin your beach workout, remember to apply sunscreen. Also, protect your eyes with sunglasses that provide UV protection when on land and with goggles when in the water.
*Swimming: If swimming is part of your beach exercise regime, consider taking a friend along. It’s best to swim with a buddy or where a lifeguard can see you. If you are swimming alone, ask a lifeguard about what to watch out for in the area where you want plan to workout.
*Running: Running on sand is less jarring on your joints. However, sand is also an inconsistent surface that can cause injuries, such as sprained ankles or knees. You could also develop tendonitis in a joint from running on the sand. To prevent injuries while running on the sand you should wear running shoes that offer stable support and are designed to absorb shock.
In addition, take time to stretch and warm up before you get running. Also, it’s a good idea to consider the beach conditions before working out. Take into consideration wind speed and direction as well as the sun’s position in the sky. Take care not to overexert yourself if you are running in the midday sun. Running too much, too fast can lead to injuries, especially if you are not used to working out on sandy surfaces.
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