Living Well in the Garden State: Sand Sprints

by Ashley V. Neglia   
Posted December 20, 2007

Work off that late-night boardwalk funnel cake with a morning jog on the beach. “Running on shifting sand burns more calories” than running on pavement, says Bedminster orthopedic surgeon Dr. Robert D’Agostini. Firm, wet sand provides support and has some “give,” and running barefoot also decreases the prevalence of acute ankle and chronic lower leg injuries, according to a 2001 research paper by an Australian physical therapist. But be wary of rocks and seashells, and use common sense. “If it feels good, do it,” says D’Agostini.—A.V.N.