Ah, summer vacation. We fantasize about it all winter long, and we count down the days until we pack up and finally hit the road. Sitting on a beach with a drink in your hand is a great way to pamper yourself, unwind, and recharge. Whether you’re traveling abroad to sightsee or relaxing on a tropical island, one thing about vacations is certain: routines get thrown out the window – especially fitness routines!
While we’re all for an enjoyable, relaxing break from the real world, we believe a fun vacation doesn’t have to ruin your health and fitness progress you’ve worked so hard for. Try out some of these ideas to keep yourself active while vacationing or traveling:
Stay at a fitness-friendly hotel
Choose a hotel or resort that has amenities like a gym and pool. Having access to a workout facility and lap pool takes away a lot of common excuses to skip working out while on vacation. Many modern hotels and resorts offer free yoga and fitness classes, so be sure to add those to your itinerary! If working out indoors isn’t really your thing, do some research to choose a hotel that has nearby parks or jogging trails.
Pack for fitness
If you’re checking a bag, you should have plenty of room to pack a few workout necessities like a jump rope, travel exercise mat, or resistance bands. These pieces are light enough and small enough that you could even pack them in your carry-on bag if necessary! Besides a few pieces of equipment, be sure to pack items such as sunscreen, proper workout shoes, athletic gear, and a raincoat. Pack whatever you will need to be active both outdoors and indoors on your vacation – you’ll be more likely to exercise if you have everything you need readily available.
Be adventurous
Vacation time is the perfect time to branch out of your comfort zone and be more adventurous! Many destinations offer great hiking trails, kayaking, surfing, or white water rafting. Rent a bike at a nearby shop or try rock climbing. No matter your vacation destination, there will always be outdoor or recreational activities to keep you active and fuel your wild side!
Walk, walk, walk
Get in as many steps as possible! Skip using the elevator and escalators at hotels and airports. Walk to a restaurant instead of calling a taxi. Take laps around your resort or walk around the city to take in all of the beautiful views. Wear your fitness tracker or download an app to keep track of how many steps you take each day of your trip. Walking burns more calories than you’d think!
Stay hydrated
Always be sure you are adequately hydrated throughout your trip. Drinking enough water will help you stay energized and support your active adventures. If you’re consuming alcohol while on vacation, it’s even more important to make sure you’re sipping on H2O. Alcohol dehydrates your body, causing hangovers that will definitely make being active the next day a lot more difficult and a lot less enjoyable.
Make healthy nutritional choices
What you eat has a huge impact on your fitness progress and routine. It’s absolutely fine to splurge a little while on vacation, but try to incorporate some healthy meals throughout your trip. A healthy breakfast, for example, will give your body the energy it needs for a nice morning workout before hitting the beach. Snack on fruits and veggies as much as possible, and try not to completely change up your regular diet.
Traveling doesn’t have to set you back on your health goals and ruin your fitness routine. With a few tricks up your sleeve and a bit of preparation, you can keep yourself on track while enjoying your much-needed vacation.
How do you stay on track and maintain your fitness routine while vacationing or traveling? Share some advice in the comment section below!
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