by Eliza Sterling

Strolling along the beach can be a refreshing experience, encompassing calming ocean sounds and the delightful feel of sand under your feet. But besides the soothing aspects, beach walking can offer a range of other health and fitness benefits. Let’s dive in and explore what academics from the Blue Space Project, run by Exeter University, have to say about the remarkable advantages of sea proximity on our health and wellbeing.

Already a significant part of an astounding census of 48 million people, the Blue Space Project’s worthwhile studies suggest that those living closer to the sea possess better overall health. The keys to it? Relaxation that decreases blood pressure; physical activity, such as perpetual seaside strolls; and positive social interactions, stimulating mental wellness. The project’s ongoing research aspires to fuel the formulation of the Marine and Coastal Access Act, intending to establish a UK-wide coastal path, promoting health benefits for everyone, irrespective of their region.

Within the UK, you are ever only 70 miles (often less) away from the coast. So, why should you seize the opportunity for beach walks? Let’s explore the top 5 health and wellness benefits of these sandy escapades.

The Wellness Wonder of Walking on the Beach: Top Five Benefits

1. Burns more calories:

   Striding on the sand can burn as much as 2.7 times more energy than walking on a solid, flat surface. So, your regular 30-minute walk which aids in burning roughly 170 calories can torch over 400 if it’s seaside. This potential for increased weight management—coupled with colder temperatures raising your basal metabolic rate (calories burned while resting)—makes beach walks an effective tool for weight control.

2. Boosts digestion:

   A post-meal beach saunter can expedite your digestion and balance your blood sugar levels. Several studies have demonstrated similar outcomes, portraying beach walks as a viable measure to control glucose levels post meals.

3. Benefits the immune system:

   Sea air is full of health-promoting negative ions, formed through the collision of water particles. The higher concentration of these ions (above 50,000 per cubic metre) provides purer air that stimulates illness-defying cells in your immune system.

4. Promotes lung health:

   In addition to breaking down mucus and reducing coughing, the saline air can alleviate sinus pressure. Thalassotherapy centres across the UK provide therapeutic treatments built around utilizing seawater for health benefits, focusing on improving lung health through saline steam baths.

5. Reduces stress:

   The melodious rhythm of lapping waves against the shore can contribute to stress reduction. In a state of relaxation induced by this ‘sea symphony,’ you produce lesser cortisol, lowering your blood pressure naturally.

Discover some picturesque and relation-evoking coastal walks across the UK as an added bonus:

The UK’s Spectacular Seaside Escapades:

• Scotland: Balnakeil Bay in Sutherland offers stretching beaches perfect for a power walk.
• Northern England: Lancashire’s Formby beach offers challenging landscapes to give your workout an edge.
• Wales: A stroll along the Gower Peninsula, especially towards the Worm’s Head at Rhossili, ensures a scenic sight.
• Southern England: Either the sandy or grassy trails of Bolberry Down in Devon serves as pleasant escapades.
• Eastern England: With the longest section of coastline in the UK, Essex presents countless seaside gliding opportunities.

In conclusion, an invigorating beach walk can provide you an encompassing wellness experience. With a combination of health and fitness benefits, it certainly makes beach walking a delightful journey towards a healthier life.

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