beach

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.

Summer is nearly here, meaning beach season is also upon us! Loading up the car and heading to the beach with friends and family is one of those activities that never gets old, but planning ahead can make the whole process even more enjoyable. If you want to stay healthy and happy while soaking up the sun, then here are seven simple tips to help you on your mission.

1. Pack healthful snacks: You may be tempted to chow down on junk food at the beach, but just say no; those few minutes of salt- or sugar-filled bliss just aren't worth it. Check out foods to avoid before the beach, and pack some healthful snacks to keep you satisfied throughout the day.
2. Load up on sunscreen: The Summer heat makes for a fun time at the beach, but the sun can prove to be unexpectedly strong. Don't just grab the first bottle of SPF you see at the market; make sure to choose the best sunscreen in order to keep your precious skin safe. Be sure to apply it 30 minutes before you head into the sun, and lather up every two hours for optimal protection.
3. Stay safe in the waves: Be sure to situate yourself close to a beach lifeguard, especially if you're planning on hanging out in the water all day. It's easy to get caught up in all the fun and forget to check the water conditions, but make a point to do this as soon as you get to the beach. Whether there's a rip current, sea lice, or jellyfish warning, making the point to check what's happening in the water will help you stay alert if necessary.
4. Try to get moving — even if it's just for a few minutes: It's tempting to just lounge on the sand with a drink and a ton of magazines all day, but getting up and moving for a few minutes will keep you feeling energized and upbeat. If you're not sure where to start, then check out these easy ideas for having fun and staying active at the beach.

Keep reading for three more healthful beach tips.