A day at the beach just might be the quintessential summer activity. But when you head to the sandy shores, how do you spend your day? Do you lounge about, soaking up rays (while hopefully wearing sunblock), sipping on icy drinks and reading a book? Or do you use the opportunity to be active?

The beach is bursting with options for exercise. Beyond the obvious choice of swimming, you can toss a Frisbee, get a game of volleyball going, play paddleball or just go for a run or a walk along the shoreline. So tell us, when it comes to a day on the sand, are you a beach bum or a beach body?

Remember to pack healthy snacks for your beach trip -- then you won't have to contend with any "timely" cravings like those I asked about last week.

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?

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Everyone has endured at least one sunscreen horror story. It's messy, often covered in sand, and for the most part doesn't make it onto every square inch of your body. We know. We know. Sunscreen is a must, no matter if you're headed to the beach or your office. So thankfully, advancements in technology have helped make slathering on sunscreen less irritating and time-consuming for those sun-worshippers [and dodgers] out there. We all have our favorites -- there's probably a No-Ad fan out there somewhere -- so with the help of our readers, AOL Health compiled a list of the best and worst sunscreens.

Tell us which sunscreen is your favorite.

It's good timing that bikini season falls during summer, because it's the best time for slimming down. The warm weather means outdoor exercise opportunities are abundant, fresh fruits and veggies are plentiful, and with kids out of school, family fitness kicks into full swing.

Summer is the ideal time to lose weight and keep it off, says Lynn Goldstein of the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City. And as Memorial Day comes to a close and we embark on the unofficial start of summer, it seems appropriate to start brainstorming strategies for trimming down and tightening up during the next few months. Here are a few:

• Satisfy a sweet tooth with fresh fruit instead of cakes, cookies and ice cream, says Goldstein. Fabulous Foods offers tips for selecting the best summer fruits.
  
• Summer is perfect for salads, and Prevention magazine names 25 low-cal ideas for mixing up greens and other mouthwatering ingredients.
• Grilling is great this time of year, and AOL Health helps you make sure your meats are safe and healthy.
• Exercise at the beach. Practice yoga on the sand, says Women's Health magazine, because the uneven surface will really work your muscles. The sand is also great for power walks, jogs and family football games.
• Torch some calories in the pool while your kids splash around. Fitz has the perfect water workout.
• Tennis is a super summer sport. Just understanding the game might help you lose weight too, says Jonny.

What are your plans for getting fit this summer?

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You'd better bet your booty that it's time to break out that bikini, and chances are, you still have a little work to do before you feel comfortable strutting your stuff in that bathing suit. In fact, according to SHAPE magazine, four out of five women aren't satisfied with their bodies, and so SHAPE is offering the SHAPE Bikini Body Tour to help sculpt you in time for beach season.

The magazine is touring the country and hitting two of the hottest beaches to provide women with a chance to take part in 40 classes, games and prizes. One of the sexiest bikini models around is lending her name (and her body) to the effort, too -- Victoria's Secret supermodel Marisa Miller was at the first stop of the tour last weekend in Santa Monica, California, and she is on the cover of SHAPE's June issue, hitting stands May 25.

The next stop of the tour occurs in Miami's South Beach on Saturday, June 13. Preregistration is simple and only costs $10. Considering you could take part in a really cool class and have the opportunity to win fab prizes (like a free trip to one of two Beaches resorts), it sounds like a pretty good bargain to us.

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answers. Our That's Fit fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose one per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Fitz, I'm begging for your help. I'm not in very good shape, my skin is pasty white and I am sick to death about having to get into a swimsuit this summer. I know someone might say that I don't really have to, but I do! My social circle spends at least half of the summer at the lake or at the pool. Can you fix me? Melissa

A. Yeesh, Melissa! You really sound stressed. I can help you, but first I want you to take a huge deep breath. In fact, I think I want you to take about 10. You are going to be OK. Swimsuit season is definitely the cause of some major anxiety, but by the time I've said goodbye here, you'll hopefully be ready to relax and enjoy some fun in the sun.

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When you think of guys with hot beach bodies, Jack Black doesn't spring to mind. Matthew McConaughey with his beachy hair and fit body? Yes. Mario Lopez and his perfect abs? Sure. But Jack Black?

Jack Black recently vacationed in Mexico and spent some time paddling a surf board (with limited success) and relaxing on the shore. While his beach-ball-like belly is far from fit, there's something undeniably likable and sexy about his confidence, ease and so-what-if-I-don't-look-perfect, I'm-having-fun-anyway attitude.

Even though he admits to eating two breakfasts, we know Jack Black is trying to get fit. I hope he keeps at it. There's nothing sexier than a sense of humor and he's got that in spades. Pair it with a fit and healthy body, and there would be no stopping him.

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They've been together for more years than the ages of the girls from The Hills combined (or at least it seems that way ... ) -- so what is Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell's secret to surviving the Hollywood relationship curse? Maybe it has something to do with taking time out of their busy schedules to frolic in the sun and surf on a recent vacation in Hawaii. But while Goldie's girlish figure impressed the paps, photos of Kurt's bulging belly elicited headlines like 'Russell Shows Too Much Flesh.' What gives?

True, Hawn does look fantastic for her age (63) and Kurt, six years her junior, is looking a little chunkier these days judging by the photos, but I don't think he looks that bad. Plus, it's not like he's baring all by wearing a Speedo or anything.

What do you think -- should the press lay off Kurt, or does he need to schedule some sessions with Goldie's personal trainer?

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Jenny McCarthy and her long-time boyfriend, Jim Carrey, were caught by the papparazzi while vacationing in Hawaii. Usually, I feel bad when celebrities are hounded while on vacation, but Jenny McCarthy should be very proud of these photos. She looks amazing.

Back in her early days on MTV, McCarthy came across as sexy and silly ... and sometimes crazed. But, in more recent years, McCarthy has shown that she's also dedicated, intelligent and a strong advocate for her son. Her dedication obviously spills over into maintaining her beach-perfect body as well. She lost weight post-pregnancy with the help of Weight Watchers; since then, she has continued eating healthfully and exercising in her home gym.

It's not too early to get your body ready for bikini season. If you want to lose some extra pounds, check out the America Takes It Off: Shrink a Size program.

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The weather outside might be frightful, but bikini season is lurking mere months from now. I know, I know ... it seems crazy to think about wearing bikinis when it's December. (Unless you live in Hawaii, in which case, I'm jealous and I would love to come visit.) But if you make the strides to get your body in bikini shape now, you'll be smoking hot come summer.

Shape magazine has a five-month Bikini Body Countdown program that's sure to get you looking great in your itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny suit. Shape provides instructions, videos and a list of gear that you'll need for each month. It's not too soon -- so check it out now.

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Have you entered the AloSun Trial & Travel Collection Giveaway yet? If not, you'd better get a move on -- you only have until this Wednesday to do so!

AloSun has long been known for quality hair and skin care products at reasonable prices, and this is your chance to try a variety of their pampering products. Whether you want to treat yourself right now, plan to take a vacation somewhere sunny soon, or you just want to have these products on hand when springs comes around next year, you really ought to enter.

And, with this contest, we'll have five winners, so you have a better than normal chance of being a winner! All you have to do is go to the contest page and leave a comment. So, go -- now!

So what are your plans for Labor Day? Frankly, the holiday sneaked up on me this year. What with back-to-school and work deadlines and other things I have on my mind, I completely forgot about it. My son and I will find something fun to do, though. We'll probably visit with family and maybe go to the BMX track (my son's favorite activity).

When making your Labor Day plans, keep health in mind. Some ideas:

• When grilling for your Labor Day BBQ, choose leaner cuts of meat and grill plenty of vegetables. You can also grill some fruits (peaches, plums, pineapple) for dessert. Remember to keep grilling safety in mind, too.
  
• Skip the chips and mayo-laden salads. Instead offer more healthful choices like veggie trays, yummy mixed green salads, and fruit salad.
• Plan some active time with family and friends. You can set up a volleyball net in the backyard, hold a basketball competition, or swim. Kids would also enjoy relay races and active games like red light, green light.
  
• Go on a Labor Day outing. Hike along a nature trail, bike on a rail trail, or visit a nearby beach (and don't just lay around -- swim and be active).

OK, I may have been a bit hasty in my zeal to run on the beach during my vacation last week. I was so enthusiastic that I even wrote a Fitku about beach running. But the results weren't pretty.

Actually, I slightly exaggerate, because I wasn't all that sore, but I could tell my ankles and calves weren't used to the workout that they got from running on the sand. So I began wondering: Is there a way to prepare your calves and ankles for running in the sand?

Well, not really. But you can get the body that comes from riding waves with a big bonus: your kid might like watching while you do. Who knows? Maybe they'd even join you.

Surf Stronger is a workout video series that incorporates surf video and stars two-time runner-up World Champion surfer, Serena Brooke. Talk about inspiration!

For me, this workout would be a bit melancholy, as I still miss surfing my native Southern California waves as a Northern Virginia transplant. I'm no Serena, not even close. But longboarding at San Onofre with my dad are memories I hold dear. Watching the waves from my basement is something I never thought possible. I love the idea nonetheless, especially with cooler months approaching faster than a pipeline off the North Shore coast.

As I get ready to embark on a beach vacation next week, I can't help but get excited that I'll be able to run on the beach. Running barefoot, feeling the sand between my toes, working my calves into things of beauty... I'm looking forward to it!

It is easier on the joints to run on sand -- less impact -- and the resistance the sand offers helps you burn more calories and get a better workout overall.

How could I resist writing a Fitku about this awesome exercise?

Running on the beach
calves burn, sand churns, and heart pumps
I yearn for the shore

Do you enjoy running or walking on the beach?