Now that the summer is here, you have to be ready for the beach. We all know Jersey has some of the best beaches in the country. Everyone enjoys sitting out on the beach, going for a walk along the water’s edge and going swimming. It is also a great place to get some extra workout time in, whether you are down the shore for a day or away on vacation.
The best part about getting some extra workouts done while at the beach is that you don’t need to take a lot of equipment with you. Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you will always see people running on the beach. While some enjoy running on the beach, it can be tricky and even uncomfortable for some. There are, however, plenty of other ways you can get fit while at the beach. Personally, one of my favorite ways to exercise on the beach is to do a yoga practice. Sun salutations at sunrise on the beach? Perfect! It is very important to look for a durable yoga mat that will stand up to use at the beach. I picked up the Yoga Monster Mat from Beachbody for exactly that reason. This is my official “yoga beach mat.”
If you do decide you want to try running on the beach, remember it is easier to walk and in the wet sand near the water line as opposed to dry sand. It is very important to have well-made sneakers. Since there aren’t sneakers specifically made for running in sand, trail running shoes are the best idea for beach running, as they are lighter than standard cross-training sneakers. I really like these New Balance Minimus Ionix sneakers. They are very comfortable, minimalistic, and I love the blue! It is also a good idea to remember that you need to alter your running activity. Think about it. You are running on an angle the entire time, which can put uneven pressure on your joints. If you are already an experienced runner, moving up into the deep sand will give you a tougher workout.
There are two important points to remember when exercising outside, and especially at the beach. First, make sure to stay hydrated. Make sure you start out hydrated and then have eight ounces of water for every 10 minutes of exercise. Once you are finished exercising, have something with electrolytes in addition to just hydrating with water. I really like drinking Smart Water. I like the taste; it has electrolytes, and doesn’t have lots of calories or carbs like some sweetened drinks.
Second, make sure you use sunblock and re-apply often. Look for a sunblock with a high SPF that is sweat resistant. I use Coppertone Sport Spray sunblock when I am outside for any activity – especially at the beach. Even though it is a “sweat proof” product, it is still important to re-apply every few hours to make sure you stay protected.