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Want to burn more calories and reduce your stress levels this summer? Then take your workout to the beach!
Several studies have found that running (or walking) on sand burns about 1.6 times more calories than running on asphalt! The softer surface of sand also limits the amount of impact on your joints and bones.
Just because it is softer though does not mean it will be easier–running on dry sand makes for one tough workout. An easy jog through dry sand could easily feel like you have run several miles, so make sure to take it easy at first.
Running through the sand also stretches your Achilles tendons and calves more than running on hard surfaces, so be sure to do a proper warm up and pay attention to what your body is telling you.
If running on dry sand is not your thing, try running during low tide when the wet sand is flatter and firmer.
Our Move It Monday challenge this week is a beach workout. If you are not currently near a beach, you can still do this one at home. Feel free to sprinkle a little sand under your feet to get into the beach mood.
Warm up: easy jog/fast walk on sand surface for 5 minutes
*Sprint down the beach for 15 seconds
*jog/walk for 15 seconds
*10 walking (or stationary) lunges
*Sprint down the beach for 30 seconds
*jog/walk for 30 seconds
*10 walking (or stationary) lunges
*Sprint down the beach for 45 seconds
*jog/walk for 45 seconds
*10 walking (or stationary) lunges
Grab water, enjoy the fresh ocean air, breathe and REPEAT! Yes, you can! Just one more time!
When you are done, stretch your legs out and sit on your towel/mat. Close your eyes and just soak up the sound of the waves. Take at least 5 minutes to enjoy this feeling and be thankful for everything you have!
No excuses gang, get moving and enjoy your energy!
Written on Monday, June 2nd, 2008 at 1:26 am
Filed under fitness, move it Monday, workouts.
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June 2nd, 2008 at 1:46 am
I wish I can go to the beach right now. Not only do I like to shed some extra pounds, I would also like to work on my tan lines hahaha.
I seriously would like to try this in the morning.
Great article by the way.
June 2nd, 2008 at 4:12 am
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June 2nd, 2008 at 6:23 am
do we all win free tickets to the beach vay cay of our choice?
MizFit’s last blog post..Monday Facetime
June 2nd, 2008 at 6:46 am
Looking forward to it:)
KFJ’s last blog post..Priceless
June 2nd, 2008 at 6:47 am
Another advantage of beach running is that if you have trashed your knees through years of running, sand is a much more forgiving surface. (Though you have to watch out for sloping sand, which can trigger imbalances. Depending on the beach, it can sometimes be hard to find flat stretches).
But if you get the right stretch of beach in the right conditions, it really is a nice way to go for a run.
Crabby McSlacker’s last blog post..Going “Off-Road”
June 2nd, 2008 at 11:57 am
Sand is great, I love how its so gentle on your joints. All that pounding on hard pavement can cause so many injuries. Plus if you’re really clumsy its a softer fall on the beach!
Sagan’s last blog post..Celebrating Ourselves
June 2nd, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Thanks!! Sounds fabulous - now I just need a beach vacation!
Believe me, I will take at least five minutes to enjoy the waves, not a problem!!!
Missicat’s last blog post..The Graduate
June 3rd, 2008 at 3:57 am
I think I would definitely try this…if I lived near a beach!
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June 3rd, 2008 at 8:10 am
I would love to do it if we are just living near the beach. Enjoying and playing the waves will be lots fun. Looking forward for the next summer!!!
Bing
http://mygrowingdaughter.eachday.com
June 3rd, 2008 at 2:03 pm
I love beach running! I only wish I lived closer and could do it on a more regular basis.
Jennifer’s last blog post..The tide is turning…………
June 3rd, 2008 at 8:19 pm
I run on the beach pretty often and I do think it is a lot easier than running on harder surfaces. I run pretty early in the morning and it is AMAZING!
Lee’s last blog post..Still running…