Popular Beach Exercises

Beach volleyball is not only fun, but burns calories as well. Professionals claim that playing at least one hour at the beach can burn upward of 540 calories. Besides being an aerobic activity, you can build muscle in arms, legs and back. Plus, it can help flatten your belly.

Volleyball is a team sport, but you can also burn calories by hitting the volleyball in the air to yourself. See how many "hits" you can get before the ball touches the ground. This activity will keep you on your toes!

Unless your frisbee partner is extremely accurate, you will be running in the sand when you play beach frisbee. Standing in the shallow surf will also give your legs a good workout as well. Take turns standing in the surf to give you and your partner a good workout. Don't stand too close to your partner, you want space to run to catch the frisbee. If the beach is crowded, move down to a less crowded spot and be aware of those around you.

Swimming is such a good exercise because it can tackle a myriad of muscle groups. Plus swimming is easy on your joints and bones. Swimming at the beach is a little different than swimming in a pool. You have to be aware of the tide, pull of the waves and the distance you are from the shore. Always be aware of where you are and how far you are from the shore. Make sure a lifeguard is present, even strong swimmers can get caught in a riptide. Swimming can burn 500-600 calories in a 30 to 1 hour session.

Walking in sand requires more effort than walking on a hard surfaces. Walking short distances in bear feet is fine, but if you are going to take a longer stroll down the shore, put on shoes or walking sandals. Walking bear foot too long can result in shin splints. Collecting shells as you walk will also benefit your muscles as you lean down to pick up sea treasures. Jogging or running is also an excellent beach exercise.

An article in Fitness Magazine recently discussed the options of walking/running on the beach:

Barefoot or Sneakers? - When you walk barefoot you tend to step down on your forefoot instead of your heel which can give less jolt to the body, However, sneakers, although more beneficial for running in sand, will make sure that you don't cut up your feet and will give your feet more cushion.

Loose Sand or Packed Shoreline? - In loose sand you will burn 20-60% more calories - your leg muscles are working harder. Walking or running on the shoreline is still more gentle on joints than pavement.

Distance or Time? - It will take your longer to reach the same distance as walking/running on a hard surface. If your object is to go a certain distance it may take you longer. On the reverse, if your target is time, you may find that you have to push harder to keep going than you would on hard surfaces - remember you are burning more calories!

Surfing looks like a lot of fun, but it is also a lot of work! Why do you think surfers always look so fit! Surfing requires balance, flexibility and muscles. It is a great exercise if you love to try new things. The best way to start is to find someone who can teach you. You may be able to find a local surf shop that offers lessons to beginners. Surfing not only targets the lower body but the upper body as well.

What a perfect setting for yoga. The early morning or early evening hours tend to be quieter at the beach and would be much more relaxing. Refine a yoga routine at home and take that routine with you to the beach. Take a friend too!