I don’t know about you, but when I think of summer- my mind goes right to the beach. Playing in the sand, running around, wading in the water. And do you ever notice at the end of the day you are exhausted and crash out earlier than normal?
That’s because a trip to the beach is a great way to get a work out! Here are some tips and exercises you can do at the beach to get in shape and still have a blast.
Stretch
Make sure to take several extra minutes to stretch before and after your breach workout, especially your legs. Even someone in great shape will be working muscles not normally worked due to the sand’s natural resistance. Quick tip: swimming is a great stretching exercise!
Running in the Shallow Sand
This is a very powerful workout. It is much more effective than free running because not only are you planting your foot in the sand, but you also have to use strength to pull your feet back out.
Arm Sifts
This exercise is great for the arms
Sit on your bent knees in the sand
Bury your palms facing outward in the sand
Now start sifting and lifting sand with your palms to throw it away
Do this vigorously and you will be able to feel the burn
Leg Sifts
With this exercise you use your legs to force sand out. You can vary the leg action of lifting and throwing away the sand from front to sideways.
Stand with your legs shoulder width apart
Bury your ankles in the sand, and try to lift the sand and throw it away using your leg
Repeat this movement with the other leg
Repeat using alternate legs as quickly as possible
After the post-workout stretching make sure to also allow yourself some “cool-down” time. The natural cooling effect from being by water will be refreshing! So not only did you have a great day at the beach- but you are also working on your beach body!
How do you get prepared to shed those winter layers? Let us know on Facebook or on Twitter!