beach

Relaxing on the beach can be a well-deserved treat, but exercising while there can be pretty delightful. If you want to go beyond typical beach-time activities, here are some fun ideas to help you get moving.

Take a long walk: You may be tempted to just lay out on the sand, but going for a long walk is a great way to get active. Walking on soft sand works your legs more than just going for a walk on flat ground. If you're planning on walking for a long time, then do your best not to go barefoot the whole way.

Don't just float: Floating out on the open sea or doggy-paddling around may be relaxing, but swimming in the waves can give you a full-body workout.

Throw a Frisbee: This game may make you nostalgic for your college days, but tossing a Frisbee can be an awesome activity for the beach. Your arms, legs, and core all get worked out by the aerobic exercise of reaching, running, and tossing.

Bring your yoga mat: Practicing yoga on the beach can be an active and relaxing experience. If you're not sure where to start, then try some Sun Salutations A on the beach to get going.

Go for a run: Even a quick run on the sand can help get your heart rate up and leave you feeling energized. If you're interested in an interval plan that alternates between walking and running, try this 35-minute workout fit for beginners. The best part is it comes with its own upbeat playlist to help you keep time. Follow these tips for running in the sand.

Plan an excursion: It takes a little planning in advance, but planning a fun and active excursion on the beach will keep you engaged — and be an experience to remember! Whether you try a surfing class or rent a kayak for an hour, you'll be getting in a quality workout while having a blast on the beach.

What's your favorite way to stay fit on the beach when the weather is hot?

As far as I'm concerned, summertime equals beach time — and the more exotic the locale, the better. If you've got a beach vacation coming up, take advantage of your surroundings by doing a few of these tropical-specific fit activities. And don't worry, even after you sweat it out in the surf and sand, there will still be plenty of time to lounge!

• Take your Sun Salutations outdoors: With more and more studios bringing their practices outdoors, beach yoga is no longer reserved for immersion retreats. If you're lucky enough to be staying at a beachside hotel, check with the concierge — it's likely they offer morning yoga as part of the room rate (or for a nominal fee). Popular vacation destinations like Hawaii, Mexico, and Florida make beach yoga a priority, so if your hotel doesn't offer it, research local studios before you go. If practicing outside is new to you, here are some tips for doing yoga outdoors.
• Get lost in the jungle: It may be hard to pry yourself away from the beach, but when you do, you're likely to find mountains filled with lush tropical valleys, rainforests, and jungle terrain. While you may want to go the insider route, a safe bet is to opt for trails popular amongst the tourist set. These hikes are usually safe and well-defined and are popular for a reason — expect a big payoff in the end, like a waterfall, a lagoon, or an amazing birds-eye view of the surrounding landscape.
• Go beyond the float: OK, even I admit that there's nothing like the back and forth of lying out, beer in hand, while floating motionless in the ocean. But if you don't want to let your bikini bootcamp efforts go to waste, alternate your lounge time with some calorie-burning water activities: take a surf or stand-up paddleboard lesson, rent a kayak, or get your swim on while snorkeling.
• Make the sand work for you: Walking barefoot in the sand is already a glimpse into how this surface makes your legs work just a little bit harder. In fact, walking in the sand burns 30 percent more calories than walking on a flat, even surface. Really make the sand work for you by doing one of these total-body beach workouts — one even incorporates the ocean!

As Summer heats up, a midweek break from work is a recipe for ocean-bound fun. If your Fourth of July holiday involves a little beach time, make sure you stay healthy by bringing these beach-going essentials.

Sunblock: You know you should slather it on before you hit the beach so you don't spend your post-beach days suffering from sunburn. But do you know which sunscreens contain harmful chemicals, and how often you should reapply "waterproof" formulas? Before you soak up the sun, check our guide on choosing the safest and most effective sunscreen here. And don't forget a hat and sunglasses to block even more harmful UV rays!

Healthy snacks: A day at the beach can be fun but draining. All that running in the sand, catching waves in the water, or even just laying out in the sun can zap your energy. Make sure you stay fueled with healthy snacks that cool you off and fill you up, like cucumbers with dip or homemade trail mix, to keep you feeling energized and comfortable. Check out these recipes for healthy and creative beach snacks here.

Water: Remember to drink lots of water while you're out in the sun to prevent overheating. Forgo the plastic one-use bottles for a metal version that will keep your water cool in the sun. Try Klean Kanteen's Wide Insulated water bottle ($26 for the 16-ounce size) or Swell water bottle ($35 for the 17-ounce size) — both are BPA-free, keep liquids cold for up to 24 hours, and have openings wide enough to accommodate ice cubes.