In addition to a great ocean view, walking on along the beach offers many benefits including:
- Walking in sand requires 2.1 to 2.7 times more energy than walking on hard surfaces.
- Jogging in sand expends 1.6 times more energy than on hard surfaces.
- Since walking and jogging in the sand needs more energy, your muscles and tendons will work harder as your foot adjusts to the sand.
- Walking at a slower pace and allowing your feet to sink into the sand, and requires more effort than walking fast or even jogging.
- Sand acts as a natural cushion to reduce stress on your joints and feet.
- Walking on a beach is much more enjoyable then treadmills, tracks, or city streets. This encourages people to walk further than they typically would.
- Being outside to enjoy the beach increases your absorption of Vitamin D from the sun.
- Walking on the beach consumes 20-50% more calories than walking at the same pace on a hard surface.
Before you head out on your next beach walk, make sure you keep a few things in mind. First, wear proper shoes if you are walking long distances. Walking too far in bare feet can result in shin splints or sore tendons and muscles in your feet. Always wake normal beach precautions including wearing a heat, bringing a bottle of water, and applying sunscreen.