DIET & FITNESS
Beach-Based Excercises to Try on Holiday
A
ll those muffins you’ve declined over
the last few months, all those sit-ups
you did before bed — you finally got
your body ready for that cute bikini. The ques-
tion is, how do you keep your body beach-ready
when you’re actually at the beach? We’ve got a
few options for you.
Morning runs. It’s serene, it’s not punishingly
hot yet, and it’s just you and the other early
birds. It’s also harder than it sounds; running
on sand requires more energy than running on
a solid surface, which means you burn more
calories. Also, if you avoid too slanted of a path,
the natural give of the sand can be good for your
joints. But remember to wear running shoes!
Otherwise, you might get a sharp shell stuck in
your big toe.
Secret planks. While you’re lying on your
front, reading a book and sunbathing (slath-
ered in a high SPF, of course), sneak in a little
forearm plank. With forearms on your towel
and elbows aligned under your shoulders, lift
your body. Press your toes into the sand and
squeeze your glutes to stabilise. Focus on a
spot about a foot beyond your hands, keeping
your head in line with your back. Hold for a
minute, then relax.
Water lunges. This one is less subtle, so you
may want to have someone else join you. Head
down to the shallow part of the water where
the waves are rolling in and out. Step forward
with one foot and lower your back knee so that
it touches the water (or the wet sand beneath,
depending on depth). Push up through the
front foot and use your back foot to step into
the next lunge. Squishy sand and unpredicta-
ble water adds to the challenge of this and
increases the chances that you’ll tip over at
some point. So, be prepared to laugh.
SUP Yoga. This is yoga, on a stand-up paddle
board, on the calm, glistening water. Bliss. If
you’re a yogi — or a novice willing to give it a
try — ask around for a local SUP yoga class.
Keeping balance while standing on a paddle-
board ups your core efforts, and being surrounded
by water as you move from one pose to another
makes this an unforgettable experience.
Who knows? Exercising at the beach may prove
to be one of the best parts of your holiday.
ISSUE #12 | 2019 | SkinHealthMagazine.com 21