Easy Beach Workouts
In Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Looking to get a quick beach workout during your trip to the Gulf Coast but don’t want to pack your gym equipment? We’ve got you covered. Check out these four easy workouts to do during your next vacation to Alabama's beaches.
Sand Sprints
Warm up your entire body by stretching and jogging a few laps in the sand. When you're ready, mark off a distance by using two landmarks or by drawing a line in the sand. Then, sprint from one to the next; aim to have each sprint last 12-30 seconds, with a ten-second rest between each. The resistance from the sand on the beach makes these more strenuous than regular sprints, so don’t overdo it—you'll feel them quickly. Maybe even race with a family member to make the cardio workout fun and competitive!
Pushups on the Beach
When doing pushups on the beach, the uneven terrain will allow your muscles to be challenged in new ways. Looking for a more advanced move? We recommend facing the water for your pushups; this puts your body at a decline, which will provide a more high-intensity workout. For those just getting into fitness, face away from the water so your body will be at an incline, making it a bit easier.
Check out the Trails
Get outside and enjoy walking, running, or biking along the trails on our island! The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a complex of 28 miles of paved trails winding through nine distinct ecosystems. With its beach and bay access, you’re guaranteed a workout with a picturesque view. Another excellent option is the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, which features four walking trails featuring various native landscapes and a crucial flyover point for migratory birds.
Yoga
The bodily movement starts from the base up, so when you change the movement of the ground, you’re bound to challenge both balance and stability! Here are a few of our favorite moves to try:
- Tabletop Position: Move up so that you’re on your hands and knees and your back is flat. Move your back and sides around in circular motions to wake up the core muscles. Repeat this for 10 circles in each direction.
- Bird-Dog Balance Position: Raise both your right leg and left arm. Engage your core and draw the right knee to the left elbow under your torso. Repeat 15 times and switch sides.
- Toe Taps with Oblique Work: Move back to the tabletop position. Move your right heel to the back of the mat and draw circles with the ankle, stretching the muscles in the feet. Next, draw an arc with the toes behind the body, using the hamstrings, glutes, and core to guide the leg. Repeat 10 times and switch sides.
If you want a more total-body yoga experience, contact companies like Glow Yoga, and they will schedule classes at the location of your accommodation!
Now let’s get up and get active! Are you looking for your post-workout calories? Check out these fantastic dining options in Gulf Shores!
