-Good body work out
When you do yoga in the sand, your body has to work a whole lot harder.
This is because sand isn’t a stable surface–it moves and shifts underneath you, and you constantly need to make small adjustments to maintain each pose. This causes you to use more of the muscles in your legs, feet, core, and arms, including many muscles that you might not normally use.
-Balance
Along with building muscle, sand can also greatly improve your overall balance.
This is, again, because of the uneven and ever-changing nature of the surface itself. Once you get the hang of it though, you might find the sand a better means of support for your body, since you can learn to contour it to your movements. Over time, you’ll be really digging into those balance poses and finding a stability you didn’t know you had.
And, because it’s also a much softer and more shock-absorbent surface than a wooden or cement floor, sand can be gentler on your knees and joints–major bonus.
-Clears your mind and heart
The warmth of the sand, sound of the waves, smell of the ocean, and the gentleness of the wind can all help bring you to a calmer, more peaceful place.
-Breath of fresh air
One of the most important aspects of yoga is remembering to just breathe. This helps give your muscles the oxygen they need to be at their best, and it helps channel your inner calm.
When you combine the practice of breathing more deeply and fully with the crisp, fresh air at the beach, you’ll be cleaning out your lungs, bringing more oxygen to your body, and improving your overall energy.
-Sunshine!
It’s a fact that most people don’t get enough vitamin D, a deficiency which could lead to health problems over time. The good news is that your body produces vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight–another perfect excuse to hit the beach for some yoga!
