If you live near one of our CrossFit WaterSide locations in Orlando, Lake Mary or Windermere, a trip to the beach is only about an hour away!
As it turns out, time surrounded by the sun, sand and surf isn’t just relaxing—it can also be a great way to get in a new kind of workout, too! Just read on as we share a few simple tips for getting the most out of your beach day fitness routine.
Get started early (or late)
Here in Florida, a beach workout is going to be pretty hot and sunny any way you slice it—but by avoiding the sun at its harshest hours (about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), you can protect your skin a little better. Why not wake up early and drive down to the beach for a workout, then spend the rest of the day relaxing by the water? Or conversely, soak in the salty air and quieting crowds in the build-up toward twilight. Either way, it’s sure to be a productive (and fun!) experience.
Bring some friends…
Speaking of fun, why not bring some friends along for the ride? A good gym partner can keep you focused on form, technique and accountability—all while having some fun splashing around and enjoying beach trip tunes with you, of course. At select beaches around Central Florida, you can even bring your furry friend! Smyrna Dunes Park is one example on the East Coast. This way, both you and your dog can enjoy the benefits of exercise and fresh air outdoors.
… and lots of water
As always, bring plenty of water so that you can stay hydrated before, during and after your beach workout. Toss a few bottles into your cooler alongside ice and a fresh fruit salad for an extra “aah” moment.
Cover up
You may already wear a baseball cap as part of your go-to gym outfit, but headgear is especially important during a beach workout since you’ll be exposed to the sun. Also, be sure to slather on the sunscreen and pack some shades, too! They may not be regular players in your gym bag, but they’re sure to come in handy on a hot day in the sand.
Jog on the flatter part of the sand
Now, for the fun part. One of the first things you may want to do once you hit the sand is run—in part, of course, because it’s so hot under your feet! It may be helpful to wear sneakers on your beach workout day anyway, both to keep your feet safe from shells and stray sea glass, as well as to put a sturdy buffer between you and the uneven, sandy surface.
Many experts recommend running on the flatter part of the sand, near where the waves roll in. This still gives you the added workout of running on the sand—because with each step, the ground beneath you moves and requires that much more muscle work—without being so uneven that your ankles and feet do too much stretching to keep up.
Keep in mind that any exercise you do at the beach—from walking to jogging to swimming—is going to be good for your body! So don’t feel pressured to follow your workout routine to a T. The beach gives us a way to mix things up and discover new ways to move around, after all.
Play ball
Another great way to work out at the beach is to bring a ball! Pas around a volleyball with friends by the water, or organize a game around a net. Or bring your soccer ball and juggle it around with your feet. Either way, playing ball on the beach helps keep you moving without requiring too much running.
Do workouts in place
The beach is a great place to do exercises like burpees, sit-ups, squats and more—and against the backdrop of such a beautiful ocean view, they’re not hard to enjoy!
Make a splash
Don’t forget to kick back and relax when you’ve finished your workout! You’ve earned it—so jump into the water and float around, or get lost in a great book back on shore. It’s time to unwind.
We hope that today’s guide helps you enjoy your beach day workout to the fullest! Be sure to keep your routine going strong and stop by your nearest CrossFit WaterSide, too, where you’ll discover a community of passionate people who love fitness just as much as you do. We can’t wait to see you soon.