Why Beach Sports are the Ultimate Summer Workout
When the sun is shining and the temperature is rising, what better way to get fit than by playing beach sports? Whether you prefer volleyball, soccer, frisbee or paddleboarding, beach sports offer the perfect combination of fun and exercise. Not convinced yet? Here are some reasons why beach sports are the ultimate summer workout.
Burn Calories without Noticing
One of the biggest benefits of beach sports is that they allow you to burn calories without even realizing it. When you’re running on the sand or swimming in the water, your body is working hard to maintain balance and stability. This means that you’re constantly engaging your core and leg muscles, which can help you burn up to 30% more calories than you would on a harder surface like pavement or grass. Plus, when you’re having fun with friends or family, you won’t even notice that you’re sweating.
Get Vitamin D
Another major perk of beach sports is that they allow you to get your daily dose of vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and mental health. Regular exposure to sunlight can also increase your levels of serotonin, a hormone that regulates mood and can help you feel happier overall. Just be sure to apply sunscreen every hour or so, as too much sun exposure can also damage your skin.
Improve Cardiovascular Health
Beach sports have the added benefit of improving your cardiovascular health. When you’re running, jumping and swimming in the sand, your heart is working hard to pump oxygenated blood to your muscles. This can help increase your lung capacity, lower your resting heart rate, and strengthen your heart muscles. As a result, playing beach sports can reduce your risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.
Strengthen Muscles in a Low-Impact Way
Unlike running on pavement or lifting weights, beach sports offer a low-impact way to strengthen your muscles. Because sand provides a softer surface than concrete or asphalt, your joints and bones won’t take as much of a beating. This can be especially beneficial for people with arthritis or other conditions that make high-impact activities painful. Plus, because beach sports rely on full-body movements like jumping, twisting and lunging, you’ll be engaging multiple muscle groups at once and maximizing your workout.
Enhance Balance and Coordination
Finally, beach sports can help you enhance your balance and coordination skills. Because you’re running and jumping on an unstable surface, your body has to constantly adjust and maintain its balance. This can improve your agility and reaction time, making you quicker and more adept at sports like basketball or tennis. Additionally, many beach sports involve throwing or catching objects, which can help improve your hand-eye coordination.
Tips for Playing Beach Sports Safely
While beach sports are a fun and effective way to stay fit, it’s important that you play them safely. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
– Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply every hour or so
– Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you’re sweating
– Warm up and stretch before playing to reduce the risk of injury
– Wear appropriate footwear to protect your feet from hot sand or rocky shorelines
– Avoid playing during the hottest part of the day, when the sun is strongest
– Watch out for animals like jellyfish or crabs that can be present in the water
Conclusion
In summary, beach sports are the ultimate summer workout because they offer a fun and effective way to burn calories, get vitamin D, improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles in a low-impact way, and enhance balance and coordination. Whether you’re playing volleyball or paddleboarding, the beach is the perfect place to stay active and healthy this summer. Just be sure to play safely and enjoy yourself!