Remember the days when Baywatch came on the TV and we fantasized about being able to run on the beach as gracefully as them? I bet the thought has crossed your mind at least once.
Running on the beach sounds like the perfect equation: beach + sun/sunset/sunrise/ + working out = heaven on Earth. Running on the beach can be this magical, but it doesn’t come without effort, unlike how effortless the Baywatch lifeguards made it seem. Thanks, CJ.
Taking your run out to the beach can come with many benefits, even though it may come with a bit more effort.
Less Impact
The beach is a soft surface, unlike pavement. Running in the beach sand can take a lot of impact out of each stride. An important tip to keep in mind though is that the softer the sand, the harder it is to run through it. The harder the sand aka the sand that has the tide going over it will be easier to run on, just a bit wetter. Getting wet while running though, could feel very refreshing!
Works Stabilizers
Sand creates an unstable surface for your foot with each stride. In order to stabilize yourself during a beach run, your body is forced to use the smaller muscles in your foot and ankle. For runners that are used to running on the road or on a treadmill, these muscles can be weak because they aren’t used as much. By strengthening these stabilizing muscles during a beach run, you lessen yourself against potential muscle imbalances and injury.
Burns More Calories
You could have probably guessed since there was a mention of how it takes more effort to run on the beach, that it certainly burns more calories. You may not be able to run as far as you can on the pavement the first time you try to run on the beach, so don’t try to get discouraged. Your body will get worked in a whole different way that is way more beneficial than trying to hit the same amount of miles you are used to running.
Running on the beach isn’t for everyone but it is certainly a good challenge to throw into the mix if you are up for it. If you don’t have a beach nearby, it might be worth trying on the next vacation you are on when you are near the beach.
