sand

Yes, sand. If you've never trained in sand before, you're kinda missing out! First of all, it greatly increases the difficulty of simple exercises. Jumping or bounding is much more difficult with the extra drag, so it's more bang-for-your-buck if you're looking to get your heart rate up in a short amount of time. Secondly, the sand cushions the impact on your joints during your movements. Here's a few of my favorite exercises in case you want to give it a try!

* I'm a fan of doing full-body exercises like bear crawls in sand...this is a great exercise for martial artists and rock climbers because it increases hand and wrist strength! The important thing to remember to keep your wrist in a neutral position (i.e. neither flexed nor extended) throughout the movement...that way you strengthen the wrist joint instead of compromising it! And, uh, watch the sand-kickback...it's not so easy on the eyes. ;)

* Any jumping exercise you do on land easily translates to sand, but remember that your balance will be more greatly challenged on sand. I suggest trying this progression: double legs hops (DLH), DLH from side to side, double leg jumps (traveling forward or zigzaging diagonally). Once you've mastered these, start at the beginning at the beginning of the progression using a single leg. And make sure you train both legs equally!

There's some good info on this webpage as well - check it out!(http://www.verticaljumping.com/sand_training.html)

So find a lonely spot of beach...or just use the sandpit at ZUM (http://www.clubzum.com/team-roster/meet-the-pros.html). Enjoy the last bits of summer!! :)