Going to the beach can be relaxing--cue the image of you lying on your towel listening only to the tune of the waves. But it can also be a toning and calorie-burning experience, without too much effort on your part. Simply going for a stroll on the sand--something you might actually do anyway--can count as your workout, with a few insider tips. Follow these easy how-tos and see why getting slimmer can be a shore thing.

Find the right footwear
If you're planning to walk less than a mile (or under 20 minutes), leave your flip-flops at the umbrella and go shoeless on soft, dry sand. Your feet will sink slightly in the sand, adding a bit of resistance that guarantees your feet, ankles and legs will get a great workout. Hoping to hoof it farther? Slip on a pair of sneaks to go the distance--without them, you risk developing painful shin splints, which can restrict exercise and future beach trips!
 
Suss out surface
Seek out the packed, damp sand near the water, and you'll scorch major calories. Each step has less rebound than you would get on a sidewalk, so you will have to recruit more energy to maintain your motion.
 
Strike the right pose
Using good form means you will get total-body benefits from your jaunt. To make sure yours is most efficient, keep shoulders relaxed and abs engaged. Then swing arms front to back, elbows bent. To firm your rear, squeeze your glutes as you push off your rear foot and take longer strides to target inner and outer thigh muscles.
 
Scope out your route
Most shorelines slope toward the water, which means one leg will always be slightly uphill as you march. This imbalance forces your downward thigh and butt to work overtime to steady you. Challenge both legs equally by staying on the same course as you speed up and down the shore.
 
Want more trimming tips that work at the beach? Try our beach-ball workout to tone your abs, butt, thighs, arms...everything!