8 Summer Beach Running Tips To Maximise Your Enjoyment

Looking to add some variety to your fitness routine? Running on the beach is the perfect way to challenge yourself, all while enjoying some spectacular coastal scenery. If you’re looking to start beach running this summer, you’ll soon see the benefits to your overall fitness levels. Naturally, running on sand is a lot more difficult than running on the pavement, but this means that the fitness benefits are a whole lot greater. Aside from burning more calories, running on the sand has a lower impact on your joints and strengthens the smaller muscles and your core. In order to get the most out this fun summer fitness activity, make sure to consider the following beach running tips:

Make Time To Warm Up

It’s important to warm up before any exercise, however this is particularly crucial when exercising on sand as you’ll be working your leg muscles a lot harder than when exercising on a flat surface. Set aside at least 5 minutes to do a dynamic warm-up for your whole body, making sure to pay particular attention to your glutes, hamstrings, quads, calf muscles and ankles. Forward lunges, hip circles and high knees are all ideal for this.

Walk Before You Run

One of the most important beach running tips, particularly when exercising during the height of the summer is to slow down. When you step onto the sand, don’t expect to be able to run at the same pace as you do on the pavement. When you first start beach running, we’d recommend walking the route first in order to acclimatise to the new terrain. Once you start running, mix between intervals of walking and running as you build up your leg and feet muscles..

Be Sun Smart

It’s always important to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays and this is no different when it comes to beach running. Make sure to cover any exposed skin with sunscreen and always wear a sports cap to protect your face from the sun’s rays, whilst keeping the direct heat off your head. You should also avoid running during the hottest part of the day, as this will increase your chances of heat exhaustion. Instead, opt for a more relaxed run first thing in the morning or as the sun starts to set in the evening - This is kinder to your body and also means you’ll get the best views.

Wear Breathable Fabrics

Making sure that you don’t overheat is one of the biggest challenges involved in running by the coast during the summer.  That’s why wearing lightweight, breathable fabrics is one of the most important beach running tips for keeping your skin covered without overheating. Our cooling performance t-shirts are made using Dri-Release™ technology which prevents sweat from clinging to the fibres. The t-shirt also provides  50+ UPF, providing the highest protection from UV radiation.