While being on vacation, it can be difficult trying to fit in a workout. Whether you don’t want to blow off your company or just don’t have the motivation, implementing fitness into your “relax time” is admittedly not for everyone. Nevertheless, if you decide you want to get a killer workout and burn extra calories, doing a workout on the sand while at the beach is your best bet. Before getting in this amazing beach strength and conditioning workout that’s easy on the joints, there’s vital information you need to know beforehand.
Your Beach Workout Will Feel Much Harder Than Normal
Typically when doing exercises in a gym, the surface is hard, flat and sturdy. Now compare this with sand, which is soft and shifts underneath you. Even if you perform the same exact exercises on the beach, it will feel that much harder because your muscles and tendons have to put in more effort to keep you stable, particularly in your legs, feet, and hip flexors.
This extra work means you are likely to feel more sore the next day, having activated smaller muscles that you’re not used to using. In turn, you are toning more of your body and burning extra calories!
Starting Slow Is Key
If this is your first time working out in the sand, your body needs time to adjust properly. If you have only worked out on hard surfaces, the stabilizing muscles required to work on the shifting surface will not be prepared for a hard intense workout right away. Meaning, you are likely to injure yourself if you don’t take the adequate time to warm up and start slow with beach training.
This doesn’t mean you can’t get in a solid workout your first time. Rather, it means starting with lower paces (for running, for example) and lower resistance and then working your way up. It’s always better to be smart than push too hard too soon and regret it!
Look Out For Sharp Objects
This might seem like a no-brainer, but before doing any beach workout you always want to make sure the area you are exercising is clear of sharp objects. Look for smooth, less choppy areas to have better balance too. If running barefoot on the beach, make sure to keep an eye on where you step No one wants to wind up in the hospital while on vacation!
Photos: Freepik and Pixabay