Beach running is a very attractive option for people, as it allows them to enjoy the open air and sunshine.
It also provides them with exercise and a way to get fit. If you want to try beach running, it is crucial that you know the benefits of doing so. In this article, we will go over what those are as well as how you can start getting involved yourself!
What are the benefits of beach running?
One of the main reasons people choose to run on a beach is because they do not have access to trails or other options that might be otherwise available in their area.
The sand really gives you a great workout that builds up your muscles and endurance from the first moment. You can take your time if you need to during your runs, but eventually, as your endurance builds you will be able to push yourself harder and harder.
Another benefit is that there is less of a chance for you to get injured when running on the sand. This will allow you to have more time to enjoy your experience and it will also give you much more incentive to keep working towards that beach body. If you've been putting off exercising due to injuries in the past, this might be just what you need!
Running on sand can provide numerous benefits when it comes to long-term cardiovascular fitness as well. It increases your metabolism, promotes weight loss, and boosts strength and endurance like no other option is available at the moment.
As we mentioned above, one of the main reasons people choose to go down this path is because they simply do not have other options in their area- but if you live near a beach this is certainly not something you should be concerned about!
Some runners will stick to the sand while others prefer to stay away from it. The choice is entirely yours, but there are benefits whether you decide to run on or off of the sand.
Plus many people who live in areas where there are beaches do not have the time or resources to drive somewhere else for their running so being near one can prove incredibly valuable if your schedule allows for it!
When you are just starting out, you probably won't even have to think about this decision, however.
You will simply need to find that perfect spot and get started! If you're lucky, perhaps there might already be other people there that are interested in being your drill sergeant to keep things interesting!
How to get started running on the beach?
If you've made the decision to try your hand at the beach running, there are some things that you should know.
The first thing is that it's not an environment for everyone despite the numerous benefits. If you're just beginning, it might be hard to push through so make sure that you don't overdo it on day one and instead build up your time slowly. This is about getting fit and healthy, not trying to set a personal record for every single workout!
A good idea would be to start with short intervals and then gradually increase them as you become more comfortable. The best way to do this is by building up your endurance.
Start off with a few minutes at a time and work your way up to half an hour! As you continue, you will be able to gradually increase these units. Remember that sand is not easy terrain for most people so it does require some getting used to before things get easier!
Make sure that you always have water on hand if possible during these workouts. It is very easy to get dehydrated when taking on this challenge so staying hydrated is crucial- especially during the first few sessions of your workout. This is where you'll really need that motivation mentioned above otherwise it just might be too easy to simply give up instead!
Seek out some friends who are already highly involved in beach running if you can. This will help to keep things interesting when the going becomes tough and it is a fun way to stay in shape while enjoying a nice workout with friends. If you don't know anyone who does this already, try checking out your local running clubs or even look online through forums! You might find someone there who wants to join you or give you some pointers for your first few sessions in the sand.
People who've never given beach runs a shot before should start very slowly if possible. This is a much harder workout than a run on pavement so it's going to be difficult at first. It will definitely become easier in time but take it slow and easy during your initial attempts.
You will notice yourself getting stronger over time but don't push it too hard or you might risk hurting yourself. If this is your first attempt at running on sand, maybe try walking for a while before you start to run in order to get situated with the terrain before really taking things into high gear!
Final Thoughts
You've heard about the benefits of beach running and decided to give it a shot yourself. You might be intimidated at first, but you'll find that these runs are not impossible- just more challenging than the ones on the pavement!
Once you get the hang of things, you won't ever want to go back to running on regular terrain again. The sand is much softer when you fall which is much better for your joints and you can easily carry on a conversation while running in it which is something that is difficult to do during normal runs!
:) Good Luck!
