FEELGOOD FITNESS Beach biking with Petra

Time spent at the seaside not only provides great physical health benefits, but changes your mental outlook in the same way meditation does. Scientists have called this the blue space effect. Here’s how to get yours…..

You can unwind by gazing out to sea, beachcombing, walking or running, but have you ever biked it? If your tyres are fat and chunky enough, it’s just like riding on a trail, only smoother on the sand. Challenge yourself over rocky bits, skirt the surf and go through small burns as they run into the sea, or stretch your legs on the wet sand – nothing will tone your bum and thighs like it.

You can use a standard mountain bike but the wider the tyres the better. You don’t need any special adjustments, just be sure to thoroughly rinse and clean your gears and chain afterwards to get rid of the sand and salt. For the ultimate beach biking experience, try a fat bike. If you haven’t seen one, it’s basically a normal bike but with massive tyres up to 5” wide. You can set the tyre pressure super low (like 6psi) to roll over sand, snow or banks of loose pebbles. Whether you’ve got frame or fork suspension or not, the tyres make the ride naturally buoyant and bouncy. Like the first time you really tore it up on a bike when you were wee, the instant sense of fun will take you by surprise –

FANCY HAVING A GO?

I challenge you to ride one without a massive grin on your face!

Moray has some amazing beaches. And the majority of them are linked by coastal paths, allowing for a great day’s exploring, almost completely off-road. Some access points to the smaller beaches may have steps or barriers you might have to lift your bike over. Longer beaches like Culbin or Roseisle let you pedal for miles and include Forestry trails through the dunes if you want to vary your ride.

Remember to check the tide times before you go, and be aware of the terrain of the shoreline – you don’t want to get caught out on any unusual features like sand bars or mud flats as the tide’s coming in!

So give beach biking a go – for the most relaxing blue space exercise and an unparalleled sense of freedom. Everyone I’ve talked to who has, wishes they’d discovered it sooner!

Tide times : www.tidetimes.org.uk Fatbike NE Scotland Community Group: www.facebook.com groups/116852921998864 38

MISS is a support service for women and men who have gone through an early pregnancy loss. We have several platforms of support including monthly support groups, 24/7 telephone service, next pregnancy and active social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

If you need support, one of the MISS volunteers will be available to speak to you at any time of the day. All calls are free and confidential. During COVID-19, we are offering free support packs which are posted out to any individuals (male or female) who have gone through miscarriage. The items include a Doterra essential oil, stress ball, Scentsy and Arbonne samples, supportive card as well as several other items. For anymore information please visit: www.miscarriageinfosuppservice.co.uk or contact: info@miscarriageinfosuppservice. co.uk or call 07808 638428.

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