With the arrival of the good weather and summer vacations, the beach becomes the main destination for most people. And not only to enjoy and relax, but to get in shape and train a bit. However, not all the walks on the sand have the same impact on our health. The orthopedic surgeon José Nebot, a specialist from the group of hospitals Vithas, has revealed in a publication for the website of this healthcare group what the keys are for those over 60 to make the most of those walks along the beach and thus the results obtained can really work.
For this age group, or for those who suffer from back problems, the doctor is very clear: the ideal stroll should be taken along the shore, right where the sand is wet. This surface is much more compact and firm, which reduces the effort and the risk of injuries. Additionally, the doctor advises always to look for the area that is less inclined to walk more stably.
The trick to build muscle and boost circulation
Walking on the beach is not only relaxing, but also fantastic for the body. Dr. Nebot explains that if you go into the water and walk a bit against the current, the benefits multiply, since that effort helps to strengthen and gain muscle in the legs, achieving a massage-like effect. Additionally, making these walks every day along the shore is a wonderful solution to take care of circulation, which helps prevent varicose veins and that your feet or ankles swell at the end of the day. As an extra advantage, the damp sand itself softly abrades the soles of the feet, helping the skin stay much softer naturally.
Tips before you start walking
Although walking on the beach is a great activity to relax the mind and take care of the body, it is very important that you go slowly so that your muscles adapt and you don’t injure yourself, especially if you don’t usually exercise in your day-to-day life. The doctor recommends starting with short walks in the first few days and then gradually walking a little longer each time. In addition, don’t forget to stretch the muscles well both before heading out and after finishing the walk. That said, keep in mind that if you have recently undergone surgery on the hip, knee, or ankle, it’s better not to walk on the beach and to begin your recovery only walking on flat and firm surfaces.
