Personal Training at the Beach: Why it’s Magic.

Before I made my move to Margate many people, including my friends, family and clients asked me: “But why?”, and to that they were referring to personal training by the beach and how the ocean was exhausting enough , so who would need a trainer if the ocean is around?

I always laughed and agreed with them, wondering if maybe I might have made the wrong decision but then I reminded myself ;that even if I could not train many, I could change the life of at least one person and that kept me going. I was going to keep following my dream. Turns out, there actually is a demand for personal trainers by the ocean.

When I moved, people who wanted to be trained were in their 40’s – 70’s and they wanted someone who could teach them about proper form, nutrition and how to exercise to meet their age group’s demands. Have you ever tried running or jogging through the sand on the beach? It is by no means an easy-breezy thing to do and so my client’s wanted help with correcting their posture to avoid injury when running or swimming in the ocean with their kids or grandkids. Many people retire near the ocean and still want to remain healthy and active.

There was also quite a demand from parents for help with their little ones. Many parents lead very busy lives and they wanted to have the best for their children. Helping children engage with fitness and yoga teaches them self-confidence, empowers them and gives them a foundation on which to build and lead a healthy lifestyle one day. It also assists them in school sports and many kids love the beach! Many kids also say it makes them even stronger than the waves, so they can swim all day long! Sorry parents!

Here are my top 5 reasons training by the beach is magical:

1.The fresh, salty breeze

When you’re sweating and the sand is blowing through your legs, the fresh breeze and ocean mist cools you down and keeps you going. Many times, my client’s feel as if the sea is high-fiving them for their efforts and it’s such a reward to see the smiles on their faces. Especially after those weights, squats and burpees combo’s.

2.Lots of space

We all know how terrible it can feel to be in a crowded, moist area, especially now with the heightened fear of contracting a deadly virus. My client’s feel safe and grateful to partake in exercise where they have enough space to train without bringing harm to themselves or others.

3.The sunrise and sunset

When the yoga class begins, the sun is barely begging to glimmer over the water. It’s so still and peaceful that many times my clients actually begin to tear up. When the sun sets, it is so vibrant and loud, it’s as if the whole world is condensed in that moment and it is so beautiful when you are practicing an ancient art such as Yoga, it becomes as if you are embodying exactly what you are teaching and being taught. If I can recommend anything it’s this.

4. The marvelous sea

With the ocean being right there it’s very common for my clients to run straight in, right after a session. Sometimes even after yoga and it’s so fun that it’s become an almost ritual that after a session my client’s sprint straight into the ocean. I tell them I’m definitely not training them hard enough if they have this sudden burst of energy, but they explain that it all makes them feel like a

kid again.

5. Sunblock, Seagulls and Silly crabs

You won’t believe it until you have seen it. Trust me, it’s a regular group joke at this point.

Training by the beach may not be everyone’s cup of Rooibos, but it sure is a privilege and a whole new experience every single day.