The Incredible Benefits of Walking on the Beach

Health Benefits

For many people, there is no place better than the beach. The beach is great for its beautiful ocean views, its people watching and the chance to inhale the fresh, salty air. Most people go to the beach to relax, frolic in the waves or take a quick swim. However, a brisk walk on the beach also offers up some incredible health benefits.

Everyone knows that at least twenty minutes of exercise a day is good for you, but what’s so special about walking on the beach? Well, for starters, walking in the sand requires a greater physical effort than walking on a hard surface such as an indoor track or sidewalk. Feet are easy to sink into the sand on the beach, which in turn forces tendons and muscles to work harder.

People tend to walk at a slower pace when walking on sand, and research has shown that walking at a slower pace on the sand requires more effort than speed walking or jogging. It is estimated that walking on the sand uses at least 1.5 times more energy than walking or jogging on hard surfaces. This is great news for your feet and joints. Instead of pounding them on any hard surfaces, you can walk on the beach where the sand acts as a natural cushion.

Another big bonus of walking on the beach is that the atmosphere is relaxing. Instead of being trapped indoors, you will be allowed to exercise outside and enjoy the nature and views. A walk on the beach is so relaxing that often times people exercise longer than they would if they were on a treadmill in a gym. Plus, exercising outdoors presents the opportunity to soak up Vitamin D and breathe in the fresh air.

Lastly, we all know that burning calories is a major benefit of any exercise routine. When walking on the beach, you will use up to 50 percent more calories than walking on a hard surface. Isn’t that fantastic? Walking on the beach ensures that you get to reconnect with nature.

A few things to remember to bring for a beach walk include a small towel to wipe sweat, sunglasses and a hat, sunscreen and of course, proper shoes. Also, don’t forget your swimsuit so that you can hop in the ocean and take a dip after your walk!

Beach Walks with Santosa Detox and Wellness Center

Phuket is blessed with an abundance of beautiful beaches, but all of us at Santosa Detox and Wellness Center are partial to our local beach, Kata Beach. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Phuket and is famous for its long stretch of sand, it’s clear waters and popularity as a “surfer’s paradise” during the green season. It is also the beach where we take a refreshing morning walk with our in-house detox clients.