Jumpstart Your Fitness: How to stay active on vacation
Categories: Fitness
Summer is the biggest "exercising yo yo" time of the year for me because the nice weather makes it more appealing to exercise outside on a regular basis, but vacations and fattening weekend getaways make for frequent interruptions. It's been a goal of mine recently to master the idea of keeping up some kind of fitness effort when I'm on the road, so naturally this article about easy ways to keep active while traveling caught my eye. And although the tips are all pretty basic, that's okay. The idea of staying active while traveling is also pretty basic. We just need to actually do this stuff! Pick out the ideas that work for you and then make a point to do them, and pull your family in to the effort too, so you're not in it by yourself. 
Choose a fit-friendly destination
There are lots of things to consider when choosing a vacation spot but adding "fitness friendly" to the list is well worth the effort. Look for walking trails, fitness facilities in your hotel room, beaches open for swimming, or even fun activities that burn calories like rock climbing or guided nature hikes. Don't make the mistake of assuming that every location with have "something."
Don't set your goals too high
It is a vacation after all. Don't stress about it, or try to do too much and end up feeling like a failure. Look for fun ways to be active, try to eat as healthy as possible, and relax!
Pack for success
How many times on vacation have you told yourself that you'd be swimming a few laps or walking a couple miles if only you'd brought your swimsuit and/or walking shoes along? Bring what you need and you'll feel so good about yourself once you get done using it!
Be adventurous/Try something new
Yes, working out in the hotel fitness center every morning before breakfast will do the trick, but why not make it a truly memorable vacation and try something active you've never done before? Take rock climbing lessons, rent a kayak, look up local nature and hiking trails and get moving! You'll be glad you did (and don't forget your camera!).
Be safe and prepared
Working out or trying a new sport in an unfamiliar area can be dangerous if you don't do the proper preparations. If you're going to be outdoors understand the weather for the area, make sure you have accurate maps, familiarize yourself with local wildlife and insects (especially those that may be aggressive or poisonous), and if you're going off by yourself let somebody know where you're headed and when you'll be back.
There are lots of things to consider when choosing a vacation spot but adding "fitness friendly" to the list is well worth the effort. Look for walking trails, fitness facilities in your hotel room, beaches open for swimming, or even fun activities that burn calories like rock climbing or guided nature hikes. Don't make the mistake of assuming that every location with have "something."
Don't set your goals too high
It is a vacation after all. Don't stress about it, or try to do too much and end up feeling like a failure. Look for fun ways to be active, try to eat as healthy as possible, and relax!
Pack for success
How many times on vacation have you told yourself that you'd be swimming a few laps or walking a couple miles if only you'd brought your swimsuit and/or walking shoes along? Bring what you need and you'll feel so good about yourself once you get done using it!
Be adventurous/Try something new
Yes, working out in the hotel fitness center every morning before breakfast will do the trick, but why not make it a truly memorable vacation and try something active you've never done before? Take rock climbing lessons, rent a kayak, look up local nature and hiking trails and get moving! You'll be glad you did (and don't forget your camera!).
Be safe and prepared
Working out or trying a new sport in an unfamiliar area can be dangerous if you don't do the proper preparations. If you're going to be outdoors understand the weather for the area, make sure you have accurate maps, familiarize yourself with local wildlife and insects (especially those that may be aggressive or poisonous), and if you're going off by yourself let somebody know where you're headed and when you'll be back.
How do you stay fit on vacation? We need the ideas, share in the comments!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Eda Simonetti 9-13-2008 @ 11:15PM
Vacation in the snow is a great time to get started on a new fitness program....just take care to avoid injury or strain to joints & muscles. I have been wearing these great compressive joint supports from http://www.thermomedic.com which prevent muscle strain & joint injury. Their natural thermal therapy is a great boost in snowy conditions, too!
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