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?

Does your child have a sandbox? If so, do you worry much about what's in it? You know, aside from making sure the cat didn't use it for a litterbox, of course. Even if there's only sand in there, you might want to look into what kind of sand it is.

According to a recent post at Green Daily, many sandboxes are filled with quarried quartz rocks and contains silica, all of which can give off dangerous dust. The State of California even requires a label on any sand that contains crystalline silica because it can cause lung problems.

There are sources for safe sand, however, like the cleverly titled Safe Sand Company. Their feldspathic sand is safety approved by ASTM (USA), Corporate and Consumer Affairs Canada and EN-71 (Europe), and is supposed to be great for building sandcastles.

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If you're like me, you've spent many days in either the pool or an ocean this summer. When I hit the water with my family, my purpose is to have physical fun. We're not the type to loaf on a chair, hoping to earn a few extra wrinkles before we call it a day. Heck no! We move! We play, we swim, we chase and more. Having said that ... I have two teeny kiddies and that's what I'm supposed to be doing.

Adults however, are entitled to play, chase, and move near or in the water too! Why the heck not? A warm summer breeze offers a great opportunity to feel strong, energized, and in good touch with our bodies. Women's Health magazine offers a bunch of cool yoga exercises to do at the beach. I like them, I really do. And as your adoring online Fitzness Trainer, I recommend you give them a try.

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To start this off, let me clarify that I'm not talking about bumping around an inflatable ball with the cute boys (or girls) you saw down the beach. I'm talking about serious, score-keeping, diving into the sand volleyball, with points and rules and everything.

Whether you're opting to play in your first tournament or you're meeting up with some serious players for the first time, you want to make sure you're properly attired. In no way does that mean you need to go out and buy the same bathing suit that Kerri Walsh or Mike Lambert wear, but there are certain items that will make you a little more comfortable:

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Next time you get the chance to jet to the ocean, think of it as an opportunity for stepping up your workouts.

For a 150-pound woman, Health Magazine experts report that two to three times more energy is required to walk on the beach than on a hard surface. Women, you'll burn 82 more calories per hour by hoofing it on the sand compared to pounding the pavement. And if you're like me, you'll cover more ground at the beach as you ambitiously trek in one direction, only to realize the return trip is just as long.

Oh, and that frozen daiquiri you dream of sipping when your sandy excursion is complete: 112 calories.

For more walking tips and techniques, compliments of the folks at Health, click here.

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Although jellyfish stings aren't exactly a regular occurrence at the beach unfortunately they're not completely uncommon either, and knowing the best way to treat one could save you or some poor member of your family a lot of suffering. So what's the best remedy for the misery of a jellyfish attack? Vinegar. Straight up, in-your-kitchen-cabinet vinegar should stop the injection and spread of the poison and provide some relief for the pain.

On the flip side remedies you don't want to use (and that in some cases can even make things worse) include rinsing the area with fresh water, rubbing alcohol, ammonia, meat tenderizer, and (yuck) urine.

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Ahhh, summer. It's a time for picnics, backyard parties, patios -- and, of course, the beach. But when heading to the beach, it's important to be prepared, and this list of beach-bag must-haves has some great suggestions for what to take. Here's my lowdown on beach basics:

• Sunscreen: That SPF in your makeup will only last so long. Bring some and apply it often. It's a must.
• Insect repellent: Also a must, especially if you're in Manitoba. Trust me.
  
• Sunglasses
• Something to sit on. A towel works.
• Your bathing suit. Duh.
• Water. You need to keep hydrated when you're out in the sun.
• A healthy snack, like fresh fruit or sanwiches, in case you find yourself being lured by the Ice Cream Stand
• A book
• A hat, to avoid that pesky scalp burn where you part your hair. Ick!

What's a must when you go to the beach?

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I just returned from a short beach vacation with my family and had a little epiphany. As I walked along the gorgeous coast on a perfectly clear day with a bright sunshine, fluffy clouds and lovely breeze I thought about what a wonderful gift the ocean is. The enjoyment one could have on a day like that is endless.

With fitness never far from my mind it made me a tad sad to think that anyone would feel stress at such a beautiful place. So many people work so hard to 'prepare' for swimsuits. I understand that, because it's nice to feel proud of your physical accomplishments. What I'd hope though, is that all of the folks who don't adore their bodies can just let it go for the day.

We are NOT our bodies. We are great minds, big hearts, and helpful friends. We are entitled to just forget about flat abs and just have fun. So please do that. Next time you're fortunate enough to visit the beach enjoy yourself. Pretend that no ones watching! The people that are with you would prefer to have unrestrained fun with you, and the people you don't know don't count anyway!