Want to mix up your fitness routine in the summer months? Try a beach boot camp! These weekend power workouts are a great supplement to your normal regimen and make the most of those long summer days. The next time the frost thaws, here are a few reasons you should kick off your shoes and hit the sand.

Soak in the Sun

Take advantage of the warm weather and get some fresh air! Depending on where you live, there may be only a few short months for outdoor workouts before your morning jog involves double layers and freezing extremities. By doing a beach boot camp, your precious weekend time packs double duty – you fit your workout in while also getting to enjoy the beach.

Make Every Step Count

Ever go for a run on the beach? If you have, you probably noticed that running in sand is more draining than running on pavement. Sand provides less resistance than a hard road or trail, so when your foot sinks into the sand, some of the thrust is absorbed. Your muscles have to put in more power to go the same speed you would move on solid ground. Minute for minute, your jog on the sand will be a more strenuous workout than a run on the street, with the added benefit of being easier on your joints.

Improve Your Balance

In addition to running, balance-dependant exercises may also be more difficult when performed on the beach. The instability of the shifting sand beneath your feet causes your body to continuously adjust to keep your balance. As you move, your core and other major muscle groups will tighten more than usual, giving you a thorough full-body workout.

Leave Town Without Taking a Vacation From Your Workout

You may be away from the gym, but weekends at the beach with friends don’t have to be sweat free. Since beach boot camps are usually pay-by-the-class, you can gather your pals and take the boot camp together. You get quality friend time while still getting a solid workout. Win-win.

Try these exercises:

Squats, calf raises, lunges, push-ups, burpees, hip raises and sprints