Staying fit by enjoying beach activities is one of the most practical and fun ways to boost your health in Seaford.

Adelaide’s spacious southern beaches are among the most pristine in South Australia.

From O’Sullivan Beach, Christies Beach, Port Noarlunga Beach and Southport Beach just north of Seaford, through to Moana, Maslin, Port Willunga, Aldinga, Silver Sands and Sellicks in the south, southern suburbs residents are blessed to have the sun, sand and sea at their doorstep.

It’s all there to be enjoyed and with the right equipment, it is absolutely free!

So if you haven’t made the most of it already, here are some great beach activities to coax you outdoors, stretch the legs, keep fit and boost your health.

Swimming

Swimming is an excellent cardiovascular workout great for the heart and lungs while also toning the muscles and aiding flexibility.

It is a low impact exercise suitable for all fitness levels and ages. 

Try swimming laps along the shoreline practicing different strokes while soaking up all of the magnesium that saltwater offers.

It is great for relieving muscle aches, pains and soreness.

But take care to swim between the flags at patrolled beaches, avoid swimming alone and learn to recognise hazards and rips.

Beach volleyball

Beach volleyball has been an Olympic sport since 1996 and continues to grow in popularity all over the world.

With 11,761 recorded beaches, it is not difficult to see why the sport is one of Australia’s summer favourites.

It is a full-body workout great for coordination, balance and cardiovascular endurance.

It also strengthens the legs, arms and core muscles.

Whether you set up an impromptu game with a makeshift net or join a local beach volleyball league, it is also a great way to have fun and make new friends.

Other beach sports

There are plenty of other beach activities you can undertake with a partner or group of people.

These include:

  • Beach cricket
  • Beach soccer or football
  • Frisbee
  • Pickle ball

They are all a great way to take advantage of the sea air and improve your cardiovascular fitness, agility and coordination with family and friends.

Yoga and meditation

If you are looking for a quieter pursuit, it will not be difficult to find a more secluded beach or time to practice some yoga and meditation.

Sure, this can be done in your living room but why not enjoy the fresh sea air and sun while soaking up some free Vitamin D at the same time?

The soothing sounds of the waves marry perfectly with yoga which enhances flexibility, strength and mental clarity.

Bring a mat and towel while following a guided yoga session or meditation routine.

Focus on breathing deeply and enjoying the beauty of your natural surroundings.

Walking or running

Whether you are 18 or 84, a vigorous run or gentle walk on sand offers a great cardiovascular workout.

It also strengthens lower body muscles and burns more calories than on a hard surface.

The water’s edge where the sand is firmest is the ideal place to walk or run.

But if you are seeking a more intense workout, you can always shift to the softer sand.

Stand-up paddleboarding

Also known as SUP, this is a low-impact exercise that is fantastic for balance while also aiding core strength and endurance.

It is also a gloriously peaceful way to glide across the water.

Paddleboards are usually available for hire from surf clubs, starting at around $35/hour.

Lessons are also available.

Begin with basic balancing and paddling techniques, gradually increasing your time on the water as you grow in confidence.

Surfing or bodyboarding

Surfing has to be high among Australia’s favourite beach activities.

Adelaide’s southern beaches are littered with surfers most of the year and are among some of the most popular surfing destinations in the state.

The sports provide a great cardiovascular workout as well as improving upper body strength and balance.

They are also quite the adrenaline rush which helps boost mood and improve mental clarity.

Boards are available for rent from surf clubs scattered along the coast for around $35 per day.

Lessons are available for beginners.

Snorkelling

Snorkelling is a great way to explore underwater marine life while offering a moderate workout that enhances cardiovascular health and muscle tone.

Aldinga Beach and the Port Noarlunga Reef Sanctuary zone are both abundant with sea creatures and among the best places to snorkel in South Australia.

Snorkellers can also visit the Star of Greece wreck at nearby Rapid Bay.

Second Valley and The Bluff at Victor Harbor are also worth exploring.

Beachcombing and shell collecting

This is really just walking with an activity added to coax out those who are easily bored.

Reduce your stress levels and promote mindfulness while looking for shells, trinkets or anything of value along the beach.

You might even like to bring a metal detector and hunt for treasure.

Picnicking

The beach is the ideal place to bring a blanket, an umbrella, a picnic basket and enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the sea.

While it does not involve much physical activity, picnicking is a great stress reducer while offering loads of vitamin D great for the immune system and bone health.

Pack your basket with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and water.

Use sunscreen to protect your skin and enjoy a chill day at the beach.

Book an appointment

If you are fortunate enough to live in Seaford or any of Adelaide’s southern coastal suburbs, you really should be taking advantage of everything the region offers.

Moderate exercise, fresh air and mild sun exposure offer enormous physical and mental health benefits in contrast to being cooped up indoors.

Exercise guidelines by Heart Research Australia recommend a minimum 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week and the beach is perfect for all of them.

So what is stopping you from getting involved in some of these awesome beach activities?

It all underlines how Seaford and its adjacent suburbs offer so much for singles, couples, young families and retirees as well. 

If you are keen to learn more about the numerous health benefits of living in Seaford or if you are simply overdue for a check-up, why not make a booking with one of our friendly GPs?

Book an appointment here today at either our Seaford Road Day and Night Clinic or our Seaford Meadows Day and Night Clinic.