Living in an area that offers sandy terrain allows you to change up your running so that your mind doesn’t get bored with your regular surroundings. However, it is also good for your body physically too.

So, if you’re considering taking your running routine to a beach or other sandy location, there are many benefits to be gained over running on concrete, and here are just a few of them:

• You burn more calories. Running on sand requires you to exert approximately one-and-a-half the amount of effort than if you run on solid ground. This allows you to burn more calories in less time. 

• It is easier on your body. Because sand has a give to it, the amount of impact that you experience on your bones and joints is lessened which means fewer injuries. It also builds the areas around the joints in your legs so they are stronger and can withstand more force. The one thing to keep in mind though is that you have to be extra careful of your footing so you don’t risk twisting your ankle or knee.

• It works your muscles more. If you’ve ever run on sand before, then you know this benefit all too well. You don’t get the same push-back that you get when running on the concrete, so you must engage all of your leg muscles (like your thighs, hamstrings, and calves) more than you normally would.

• It increases your power. Due to the facts that running on sand is a harder workout and you’re building  more muscles, it also means that you’re simultaneously increasing your power which helps in sports that require quick bursts of activity (like tennis or football).

Running on the sand is a great way to boost your fitness levels and get in better shape. Where is your favorite sandy place to run? What is your most noticeable benefit?