Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
As lifesavers and lifeguards, we spend countless hours patrolling on the sand, so we thought we’d take a closer look at how the sand, and beach in general, can affect our health! Interestingly, the very environment we protect— our sandy shores—plays a significant yet often overlooked role in bolstering our health, fitness, and readiness for action. As recent research begins to reveal, the sand beneath our feet is not merely a surface to patrol but offers a plethora of health benefits.
The Biomechanical Benefits of Sand MUSCLE STRENGTHENING AND JOINT PROTECTION:
A BENEFICIAL REHABILITATION ENVIRONMENT: For those recovering from injuries, sand offers an ideal low-impact environment for rehabilitation exercises. The soft surface allows for gentle, yet effective, workouts that can aid in recovery without placing undue stress on injured areas. This aspect of sand training is particularly beneficial, allowing lifesavers to maintain their fitness levels while recovering, ensuring they can return to full duty more quickly and safely. Foot Health and Functional Enhancement Through Sand FOOT STRENGTHENING AND ALLEVIATION OF COMMON ISSUES: Regular interaction with sand not only challenges the body’s balance and stability but also promotes stronger, healthier feet. The natural strengthening that occurs from walking or running on sand can help alleviate common foot issues, such as over-pronation and plantar fasciitis, by engaging and fortifying the muscles and tendons of the feet. This leads to improved foot mechanics, reduced risk of foot-related problems, and a stronger foundation for all physical activities, which is critical for lifesavers who rely on their physical prowess. SKIN HEALTH: One of the less acknowledged yet beneficial aspects of sand is its natural exfoliating properties. Moving across a sandy terrain, the fine grains of sand gently remove dead skin cells from our feet and any other exposed skin areas, promoting healthier, smoother skin. It also ensures that the skin on our feet remains in top condition, reducing the likelihood of blisters, calluses, and other skin irritations. In summary, sand isn’t just the surface that we work on; it’s a key element in overall health and performance. Sand can help us boost muscle strength, foot and heart health, while also protecting joints due to its low impact! Who knew sand could make such a difference!
Engaging in activities on sand inherently differs from exercising on firmer ground due to the sand’s unstable and yielding nature. This instability forces the body to work harder with every step, engaging muscles more thoroughly than when on solid ground. The softness of the sand acts as a natural shock absorber, reducing the impact on the body’s joints during movement. This is particularly beneficial in our work that demands high physical activity levels, as it helps prevent the common overuse injuries that can occur from repetitive stress CARDIOVASCULAR AND ENDURANCE BOOSTS: The effort required to move on sand significantly increases the heart rate and oxygen consumption, providing a rigorous cardiovascular workout. This enhanced workout is crucial for us as lifesavers, where our role requires not only sudden bursts of activity in response to emergencies but also the stamina to perform prolonged physical tasks. The natural resistance of sand ensures that the body’s cardiovascular system is challenged, promoting heart health, and increasing overall endurance. Sand as a Medium for Balance and Injury Prevention PROPRIOCEPTION AND BALANCE IMPROVEMENT: The uneven surface of sand provides a unique challenge to the body’s proprioceptive system, which is responsible for sensing movement and body position. Regularly navigating this unstable terrain enhances proprioception and balance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. This is especially valuable for lifesavers, who need to move swiftly and confidently across varied beach terrains, often under emergency conditions.
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