The Blue Gym

Making the most of living by the sea!

I don't know about you but I never tire of seeing that first glimpse of the sea and it usually brings a smile of anticipation doesn't it?

I've been reading more about the benefits of spending time in nature and specifically being by the sea. There is so much evidence about how nature is better for us than the urban environments and water is particularly beneficial to our health and well being.

Negative ions are good for us!

I had no idea for example, about the concept of negative and positive ions (anything scientific can normally make me switch off, but we need to know this!) which exist naturally. Over exposure to positive ions – caused by electrical equipment such as computers and mobile phones – can affect our magnetic field and drain energy, making us feel tired and lethargic and these are the "free radicals" that can affect our health and how we age, and lead to cellular damage and illnesses and can lead to depression, insomnia and fatigue. These are all symptoms of the menopause too and I have found being by the sea and in nature generally to one of my best mood boosting tonics.

Where can we find negative ions?

Sea air and water in motion produces abundant negative ions, bringing more energy and vitality and increases our happy serotonin hormone. So it almost feels the wrong way round but negative ions are the GOOD guys...and we need more of them to age well and stay well.

So a sea view, the sounds of the sea and that fresh salty air are actually all good for us in different ways. There is some evidence that being spending time by the sea can help you sleep better too. A study from the National Trust found that coastal walkers slept for longer and had better quality sleep than inland walkers. So a double whammy of goodness for us is to exercise by or in the sea too.

The "Blue Gym"

One of my favourite things about returning to Cornwall is falling back in love with the surf on the North coast and body boarding has actually made me feel proper, unadulterated joy! The rush of adrenaline (yes and a bit of fear) is very addictive and is a great workout too. The smells and sounds of the sea are addictive and therapeutic for mind and body and soul and the 'Blue Gym' is an initiative which aims to understand the potential for health benefits, whilst also raising awareness of marine issues. An amazing book by marine biologist Deborah Cracknell By the Sea examines the benefits of being near water. So whether it is a walk on the beach and feeling the sand between your toes, or stand up paddle boarding (SUP) or going for a swim it is all "blue exercise" and it is so good for mind and body and it is not difficult to see why people who live by the coast are healthier. Heading to the coast can be a great way to kick start your healthy lifestyle.

Some of the fitness trends for the beach

There are so many ways to up your fitness game on the beach. Just a walk in the sand will help to use those muscles in your feet, hips and back, and it will feel more challenging if you are reading this and are a beginner to exercise.

If you're a bit more hardcore have a look at this routine with an exercise band you can try on the beach if that is your thing!

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a19908750/5-exercises-to-try-on-the-beach/

Although we are coming to the end of our summer here in the UK wetsuits are totally the thing so there are no weather excuses. A sea or open swimming groups are becoming so popular with a real community and supportive and encouraging feel and I love the @tonicofthesea Instagram account although her pics of jellyfish in the Cornish waters freaks me out a bit! Check out her website it is so inspiring too. If you want to find out more about this there are also lots of free swim groups around the UK to join on The Outdoor Swimming Society website .

You are never too old for a wetsuit!

If you are reading this and hating me a bit because you don't live near the sea (sorry!)...there are always aqua type pool exercises in your local leisure centres which are amazing for increasing muscle strength, flexibility and any joint issues such as arthritis. Joint pain is one of the most common side effects around the menopause and water-based exercise is a great all round cardio workout and calorie burner that is easy on those joints.

So I hope I have motivated you to plan a trip to the seaside, a lake or your local pool and feel the benefits of the "blue gym"....or at least relax, listen to a sounds of the sea meditation track and plan your next trip...come to Cornwall for a visit!