Photo: mikebaird/Flickr

There's just something about exercising at the beach -- the crisp, fresh air, the warm sun on your skin and the amazing scenery make it the perfect place to work out in the summertime. Maybe most of all, beach workouts tend to fun because,come on, you're at the beach! Just sitting in the sand at the beach is fun, but you're not the kind of person who just sits, anyway, are you?

You can break a sweat the usual ways: Running -- on the sand, of course, for strong and sexy legs, biking (on a trail) and swimming. Or, you can kick things up a notch with one of these fun-in-the-sun activities, which are sure to leave you huffing and puffing and wishing summer would never end.

• Paddleball: Kristen tells us the set costs about $5, so it won't break your vacation budget. It's the perfect workout for competitive couples or friends who are looking to get off their beach blankets for a while.
• Use Your Environment: There's no reason to spend a beautiful summer day inside a gym when everything you need is at the beach. Long Beach personal trainer Justin Rudd shows you how to use benches, trees and even dunes to round out your workout routine.
• Check out the rentals: What's for rent at your local beach? Paddle boats, surf board, skim boards? Chances are it's something designed to get you up and moving.
• Get in the water: Yes, I know the water is cold. And you just applied your sunscreen. And your hair looks terrible wet. But still, swimming is great exercise, and body surfing those waves is so much fun, you'll find yourself going back for more.
• Yoga: Hit the beach in the early mornings or at sunset to beat the crowds and to make the most of the soothing and sensual natural surroundings.

Finally, however you decide to enjoy your trip to the beach -- don't forget your sunscreen!

What's your favorite beach workout?