Want to Exercise? Then Live Close to a Beach: Study

People who live near the sea are physically fitter than inland dwellers, according to a study.

People living amid the tumult of rapid urbanization and constant work pressure have less time and energy to invest and engage in activities that boost their  physical and mental well-being. A new research suggests the topographical feature of residential area influences people's level of physical activity. The experts from the University of Exeter Medical School looked at more than 18,000 people living near beaches in the north-western and south-western part of England. They also noted subject's physical activity levels, socio-economic status, age, other lifestyle habits and weather changes in these areas, reports the Business Standard.

The analysis revealed just visiting the beach induced people to take part in physical activity like running, jogging or brisk walking.

"It's clear that our coastal paths and beaches provide a wonderful resource for encouraging and enabling physical activity. Participants reported a number of activities from simply walking to more obvious exercise such as swimming or running. However, we're unsure why we're only seeing these effects in western regions of the country. Of course, people in the east also exercise but it doesn't seem to be so connected to coastal activities. We might have uncovered untapped potential for east coast resorts and destinations to be used to encourage exercise and promote healthy lifestyles," said Mathew White, study author and researcher in a news release.

It is a well known fact that physical fitness is the best way to avoid occurrence of diseases and conditions like diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular problems. The existing guidelines by the American Heart Association recommends adults to engage in at least 75 to 150 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity to reduce the risk of heart attack. The current research authors are unsure how living close to coastal parts helps boosts physical activity and health of individuals. However, they urge the government to preserve natural spaces to  improve public health.

More information is available online in the journal Preventive Medicine.