After many years of city living I'm moving to the coast. I can't tell you how excited I am. The thought of daily swims, walks, even just breathing in the ocean air sounds like a dream. We all know how great it is to be at the beach but are there real health benefits? I say yes. Here's some things you don't think about when your on that beach holiday. A great excuse to go book that well need vacation or even better get in the moving van like me.
Self esteem
New research finds that as little as 5 minutes of walking in a natural, outdoor environment can significantly boost self-esteem and confidence, and that the presence of water seems to magnify the effect.
Health Benefits of Relaxation
The human mind and body need rest from time to time. Many people become so involved with getting things done they forget to relax occasionally. High stress levels really make an impact on health. The physical body needs rest to regenerate as well. So bring a book and lay under the umbrella or float freely on the waves. It benefits your health!
Massage your soles
If you walk briskly on the beach, you'll get the added benefit of the sand massaging the soles of your feet, which activates venous and lymphatic circulation. And if you're right at the water's edge, as the waves break, the sea water will massages your ankles, making the exercise even more complete.
Water walking
The water around your ankles is beneficial, but if you're willing to get a bit wetter, walk out until the water reaches up to your thighs. Walking at this depth, lifting your legs with each stride, is tiring, but it's fantastic exercise to strengthen the muscles of the legs and buttocks.
Free exfoliation
There are beauty benefits, too, as the friction of the sand is a marvellous natural exfoliant. Walking barefoot will result in softer feet in no time, just like a home peel treatment!
Mineral magic
There's another benefit to seawater, too, as it contains minerals (iodine and sodium) that help prevent ageing – not to mention the fact that it's relaxing!
Wet or dry sand
Obviously, if you're right down at the water's edge, you'll be walking on wet sand. This is actually easier and takes less effort. But as you get fitter and start to notice the benefits of the water, you may want to extend your walks farther up the beach where the sand is dryer. Since dry sand is less stable and the shape shifts as you walk, it involves more effort. It is said that walking on dry sand can burn up to twice as much as normal walking. Just remember that while this is good in terms of exercise, it also means there is a higher risk of injury, mainly to the ankle ligaments.
Health Benefits of Sand Castles
The human need to create can be fulfilled on the beach by building sand castles. Sand castle building health benefits for kids include hand to eye coordination and problem solving. How do we put a moat around the castle without the water eroding it? How much water do we need to hold the sand together? Like most forms of art, the health benefits of sand castle building are endless.
Health Benefits of Swimming
Swimming is wonderful exercise. Even the physically handicapped can benefit from swimming on a regular basis. Swimming involves proper breathing and uses most major muscle groups. Water provides gentle movement for proper resistance. Best of all, swimming is fun! It doesn't feel at all like exercise. This alleviates boredom and helps you stick with it.
Always remember
Scan the sand for hazards, particularly when you're working out with bare feet.
Pay attention to the water; it looks inviting, but can be a killer. Swim between the flags or learn to read the water if swimming in an unpatrolled beach.
Always wear suncreen, watch out for sun stroke (never go out in the heat of the day), and it's always nicer to do it with someone special.
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