With the arrival of summer and people’s trips to the beach, one of the most desired habits of the year for many arrives: strolling along the shoreline with the waves washing over the feet. But there is something to keep in mind: what many consider a simple moment of relaxation is, in fact, a low-impact workout that can benefit the body a lot. Several training and health experts agree that stepping into water up to the calves completely changes how our body works, turning a calm walk into a very complete training session.
Unlike walking on a sidewalk or a gym treadmill, walking on the beach offers two key factors: natural resistance and instability. As holistic trainer María Giner explains on her social media, the resistance that the water exerts at calf level forces the legs, glutes, and abdomen to strengthen progressively. While trying to move forward against the water, the body instinctively works to stabilize with every step, which means your muscles are activated even without you realizing it.
Furthermore, trainer Álvaro Puche, in statements to the magazine Clara, adds that water density (about 12 times greater than air) and the ongoing waves increase the caloric expenditure of the walk. According to Puche, walking in water for between 10 and 15 minutes twice a week with the proper technique is enough to start gaining strength and muscle mass.
On the other hand, beyond activating your muscles, walking by the sea has become one of the best recommendations from doctors to protect the health of your joints. The big advantage is that water sustains at least half of your body weight, which greatly reduces the effort and impact felt by delicate areas such as the knees, hips, and back.
Simple tips to get the most out of it
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James Whitaker
I’m James Whitaker, a UK-based journalist focused on emerging trends and everyday stories gaining attention across the country. I cover the topics people start talking about before they fully break into the mainstream. My work aims to stay clear, factual, and closely connected to how news is actually consumed today.