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It doesn't matter how lazy you are;

In summer,

walking on the beach

is such a pleasant exercise that it seems that you wouldn't do it, with which you don't sweat and which allows you to lose a lot of calories, specifically 50% more than usual when we do it on other surfaces.

All round.

Because in addition to being a

relaxing activity

-the view of the sea and the sound of the waves allow us to get rid of stress and put our mind in order-,

walking on the beach

has many other benefits. Among others, that our muscles need much more energy to do so than to walk on a hard surface. That is, the muscles and tendons work harder to adapt to the sand, which at the same time acts as a natural cushion to reduce stress on the joints and feet.

Outcome?

A walk on the beach consumes between 20% and 50% more calories than with a normal walk on a hard surface.

Something to which we must also add that the pleasantness of the

walk

makes us walk for longer than we would invest, for example, on the streets of a city or on the treadmill of a gym.

Three expert tips

However, "when walking on the beach it is also important to protect our feet from external aggressions," explains

Juan Carlos Montero Arroyo,

member of the Official Podiatry College of the Community of Madrid (COPOMA), "both physical-rubbing and cuts-, as infectious, in the case of fungi or papillomas ".

Therefore, before starting to walk without pause, we must take into account the three tips that this expert gives us so that our feet do not suffer. The first, to follow "good hygienic care, with

neutral soaps

and always ending with a good drying," explains

Juan Carlos Montero.

The second, "treat possible skin problems, such as excessive sweating, and maintain

good hydration

, something that is essential," says the expert. Finally, he says, we must choose well the footwear that we use for it, because sometimes

walking on the beach barefoot

it is not the most appropriate.

"It is recommended that we get used to the new footwear progressively, so that our feet suffer less at the muscular level. And never use beach or swimming pool footwear, such as

flip-flops

, in other contexts; it could bring problems to our feet, "he says.

Five benefits of walking on the beach

In addition to all of the above,

walking on the beach

has many other benefits.

One of them that the walk will allow us to load ourselves with vitamin D thanks to the action of the sun.

  • Burn more calories.

    As we said, walking on the soft surface of the sand uses more energy, which means that you can burn up to 50% more calories.

  • Strengthen the muscles.

    The extra physical effort involved in lifting the foot off the sand strengthens the muscles, joints, and tendons of the feet and ankles.

  • The risk of injury is reduced.

    Although it takes more energy, walking on the beach is easier on the joints, preventing injury and helping build strength.

  • Improves mood.

    Outdoor activities - especially if done next to a body of water such as a river, a lake or the sea - relax and improve our mental health and self-esteem.

  • Strengthens the bones.

    Exposure to the sun favors the absorption of vitamin D, responsible for the body absorbing calcium, which helps our bones and teeth stay healthy and strong.

  • How to make it even more effective

    Before starting the walk, it is convenient to take into account some tips to get the most out of it, both physically and mentally.

    To begin with, you have to enjoy it unplugged, without music and with the phone muted, to listen to the

    relaxing

    murmur of the sea.

    Also, keep these other tips in mind:

    • Start on a solid surface.

      Before starting your walk, walk for a few minutes on a solid surface, on the sidewalk or boardwalk, to warm up the muscles in your feet and ankles.

      Compact sand will also work for you.

    • Wear appropriate footwear.

      Walking on the beach does not necessarily imply doing it barefoot.

      If you are going for a long walk, wear sandals or suitable sports shoes that support your foot and protect it from edges, sharp rocks and possible remains of glass or metal hidden in the sand.

    • Walk barefoot only short distances

      , especially if you are a beginner, and gradually increase the route.

      Doing it for too long can lead to leg cramps and pain in the tendons and muscles of the feet.

      And do better with the waves crashing on your ankles.

    • Always carry a bottle of water,

      to hydrate yourself and that the sun and heat do not take their toll on you.

      And never forget your sunscreen either;

      it is advisable to renew your application frequently.

    • Walk on soft sand.

      You will do much more exercise and it will allow you to increase your strength and gain endurance.

    • If you are a beginner, do

      most of the walk on packed sand near the water, and "train" your muscles during part of the walk on soft sand.

    • If running is your thing

      , do it on hard sand to avoid injury.

    • Walk in both directions

      to the beach.

      Due to the incline, you always walk with one foot higher than the other, which can lead to strains and injuries.

      Try to balance between both legs.

    • Down wind.

      Use the breeze to your advantage.

      Start the walk against the wind so that on your return, when you are more tired, it hits you on the back and you do not have to fight against it.

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