WORKING OUT BY THE OCEAN IGNITES THE HEALING POWERS OF THE SEA

I’ve always been drawn to the ocean. I, like many people, feel a sense of calm and relaxation when I’m by the sea. I’ve read and know about the theory of Thalassotherapy, a theory that the sea has many health benefits. Thalassotherapy, from the Greek thalasso meaning ‘sea’ and therapia meaning ‘treatment’, uses the healing and beneficial properties of the sea and the marine environment for your health and wellbeing. In thalassotherapy, not only do you benefit just from being around the sea but actually connecting to the sand and the water with your body enhances those benefits. I’m in!

When I decided to create this fitness retreat 12 years ago, I immediately knew it had to be at the ocean. At the time I didn’t know why. I knew nothing about the ocean’s healing benefits other than I was drawn to it and it made me feel really wonderful. I just knew that I love the beach and I could better motivate people in an environment that I love. There are many benefits to not only just being at the beach but also to moving and working out at the beach as well. Here we go:

1. The Ocean Brings Calm. Have you ever noticed how calm you feel when you’re by the ocean? It’s like every trouble, every stress, every complicated situation melts away and you’re relaxed. Well, it’s actually true! The ocean does insight calm. Spending time near the ocean will make you calmer- Scientists have discovered that humans have something they call a “blue mind.” This means that our brains are hardwired to react positively to water. Watching the ocean, listening to the ocean, or being in the ocean, gives the brain a rest from overstimulation. Our brains do not shut down, they simply adjust how they are working, giving them a much needed break… Often followed by the release of the happiness chemicals–dopamine and serotonin. And who doesn’t need some dopamine and serotonin? What better way to move you body by the ocean than in a calm state?

2. The Ocean Enhances Your Workout. Oh yeah! Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better! Working out near the water enhances your workout. This is for two reasons. 1) As mentioned above, the ocean provides provides a safeguard from overstimulation, so it is able mentally, to focus on what matters 2) Physically energy is maintained for longer. Working out while surrounded by people is actually exhausting, even if you don’t realize it. Your body working to absorb all content around it while simultaneously working to break down and build muscle is much more tiring than you realize. If you give your body a breaking from navigating the crowds and machines around you, it will maintain energy longer for what you are actually there to do– move.

3. You Recover Better. What goes alongside with working out at the beach? Recovery. Recovery is KEY to repair and regeneration (and a whole host of other benefits like boosting the immune system). Sleep is even more important to aid in this process. Many of us don’t sleep as well as we’d like but sleep is even enhanced by time at the beach. The three most common problems that inhibit sleep are stress, physical energy, and hormonal imbalances, are all treated by beach time. Water, sunlight, fresh air, and movement, all ease, if not cure the aforementioned ailments. More beach = better sleep.

4. Magnesium! Salt water infuses your skin with magnesium. Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body and is critical for muscle function, blood coagulation, and nutrient metabolism, among other things. Magnesium is one of the key electrolytes responsible for maintaining proper signal from the brain to the rest of your body. Magnesium is great for muscle recovery, to replace lost electrolytes and it also helps relax you. Ocean water is rich with magnesium and simply being in it for short periods of time allows your skin to absorb what it needs in health.

5. Vitamin D. You already know this one I’m sure but Vitamin D production is important for many reasons. Did you know that 75% of Americans do not absorb the recommended amount of Vitamin D (this statistic is commonly attributed to lifestyle i.e. office jobs.) But, spending some time outside working out near a giant body of water that reflects the sun’s rays will give you strong doses of the coveted Vitamin D. Vitamin D is key in combating depression, strengthening bones, the health of the immune system, and believe it or not, the digestive system. So soak up some Vitamin D, but don’t forget to monitor your skin and apply sunscreen!

And for a bonus reason: The ocean makes you HAPPY! When surrounded by nature, the carefree environment of the beach, and elements that scientifically contribute to your physical health, it becomes much harder to be unhappy. So, keeping in mind that health and happiness is the ultimate goal, pencil some time in at our fitness retreat to reboot your body and mind. We’ll have you working out while enjoying the health benefits of our beautiful beach. Try Vita Boot Camp or a Private Fitness Retreat to jumpstart you into better health today.

Best in Health + Wellness – Margot

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