Sand training can be the best way to shape up, ASICS expert says

Michelle Lovitt, a strength and conditioning coach for ASICS, is a big fan of the sand for all exercisers.

At Will Rogers Beach in Santa Monica, Lovitt featured a series of running drills but pointed out that it's actually the sand that's making a difference in her clients' workouts.

"It's one of the best workouts because you're going to increase your calorie burn being on an unstable surface, utilizing more muscle mass and engaging more of your core muscles," said Lovitt.

Along with core strength it increases leg strength, which transfers through to your upper body, as well.

Tim Hartwig of Granite Gym said, "You can feel it right after the first workout. You're going to feel a lot of muscle fibers than you've never worked before."

And because impact is minimal, sand training is a bonus for those with muscle imbalance and minor injuries.

"You are always recruiting the muscle groups that are unstable, or that are weak," said Lovitt.

Noelle Kozak who is an avid stand-up paddle athlete, cross trains between her water workouts and sand exercises.

"I think it's really good for strengthening your ankles and ... a lot of muscle recruitment that you normally wouldn't have in a gym," she said.

If you're new to exercise, realize that this training will jack up heart rate quickly. But don't be discouraged.

"It's a different type of training. Your body will get stronger on the beach and it will become less difficult to do, and more enjoyable as you go," said Lovitt.

Lateral slides, jumps, and fancy footwork make for better fitness no matter what your sport.

If you're looking for inspiration you might head down to the ASICS World Series of Beach Volleyball this weekend, where you'll see the top players in top form. Even better: Fans can play, too, in four- and six-man competition.

"You don't have to be a pro to be a part of this. And ASICS has a thing called the Kerri Cannon this year. You can go in and you can stand, and receive a serve from the speed that Kerri (Walsh-Jennings) would hit a ball at, and see if you can return it," said Lovitt.

Walsh-Jenning's recorded serve speed is 65 mph, by the way.

The ASICS World Series of Beach Volleyball is a free event. It is at Alamitos Beach, across from the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, until Sunday.