After a full day of hustle and bustle, running on the beach is a fantastic activity. You cannot find a better setting—the sun shining on you, the cool ocean breeze blowing on you, and the melodic sounds of ocean waves almost sounding like music to your ears. What a great environment for working out, right? While running on the sand is not as easy as it may seem, it has a myriad of benefits, for example making you a swifter and stronger runner.
Here are some of the benefits of running on sand:
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Strengthens your weak muscles
Sand is an unstable surface, as it moves a bit when you land on it. To stabilize yourself during your running workout, your body is compelled to engage the smaller muscles in your feet and ankles. For the majority of runners, these muscles tend to be weak, as they are used less often when running on stable ground, like paved paths. The beach run comes in handy to strengthen these stabilizing muscles, thus helping to protect yourself against possible muscle injuries and imbalances.
Reduces impact
Since sand shifts beneath your feet, it creates a “softer” landing for your foot than pavement offers. As such, your lower body (ankles, knees, and hips) enacts less pounding and suffers less strain when you run. Additionally, running on the sand effectively works your calf muscles without posing the risk of impact injuries and while minimizing the risk of shin splints.
Torches more calories
The fact that you have to exert more effort and involve more muscles to maintain stability as you run on the sand makes your body burn more calories than when running on pavement. Some studies have shown that you may consume as much as one and a half times more calories on the sand than when on the hard ground. For those who want to cut down on their training time but maintain their level of fitness, beach running is a great idea. Also, you can boost your running performance as well as enjoy other benefits by using steroid products, which is available at 120kgs shop, one of the leading online steroid shops.
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Provides great mental benefits
Using a different running route is not only good for your physical well being but also for your mental health. Shifting from using the same road or path every day to running on the beach—with the waves making their magical sounds, the cool breeze, and the beautiful scenery—gives your mind some relaxation as you get in a good workout.
Naturally refreshes you
Diving into the sea after you have had a long run on the beach will soothe your fatigued muscles and make you feel great.
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Despite its many benefits, running on the beach should be done at a slower pace than running on normal pavement. If you are not used to running on sand, ease your way into the workout to avoid some risks, like ankle sprains and Achilles injuries. Also, wear your sneakers to avert the danger of broken seashells and to allow your feet to get used to the new surface.
