When you’re on vacation, it can be all too easy to let go of your regular workout routines. How many times are we guilty of thinking, “It’s ok, I’m on vacation,” before choosing to eat that extra dessert, or to skip that morning run? It can be a slippery slope, and before you know it, you’ve thrown out any hope of maintaining impactful exercise during your trip. However, if you plan ahead, you may find that staying fit on vacation isn’t as difficult as it may seem! Here are some great tips that will help you stay motivated.
Simplify
First of all, don’t completely forget that you’re on vacation. You will not be able, nor should you try to replicate your exact home fitness regimen. Instead, you’ll have to simplify. This is something that will happen organically, since you obviously can’t fit a treadmill in your suitcase. However, you could easily bring a speed rope or resistance bands in your carry-on bag. Simplifying your workouts into smaller individual routines can help you stay on top of your goal. Not to mention it will help offset any of your vacation-related diet changes.
Set A Time And Stick To It
Any seasoned fitness enthusiast knows establishing a regular routine is key to seeing quality results. This is no different when it comes to vacation. Choosing a time of day in which to work out, and sticking to it, is the best way to ensure you don’t fall off the wagon.
Working out first thing in the morning will likely be your best bet since it will free up the remainder of your day for sightseeing or other planned activities. However, if you were really looking forward to getting some extra sleep while away, you may want to wait for the evening hours, or just take a nap!
Book Companies That Promote Fitness
One of the best ways to stay focused on fitness while vacationing is to book your accommodations with brands that value health and exercise. The place you decide to stay isn’t guaranteed to have a gym, and even if they do, it may not live up to your expectations.
Many all inclusive resorts and luxury cruise lines offer rather impressive fitness centers, communal yoga, and outdoor running spaces, but you don’t necessarily need to choose a high-end vacation in order to find yourself an adequate workout space. Of course not everyone can offer breaktaking scenic views while you exercise, but with a little extra research before you book, you can make sure you’ll have everything you need to get in a good sweat.
Functional Fun
Unless you’re the kind of person who simply wants to sit on the beach all day, you will likely have plenty of other options for staying active.
If you’re doing some sightseeing, try walking as much as possible. Not only is it a great way to burn calories, it’s also the best way to really explore a new place! If you’re at the ocean, a lake, or just a hotel with a pool, make your time in the water count by swimming a few laps. Lastly, if you’re planning a night on the town, don’t forget to hit the clubs for some dancing! One half-hour of dancing can burn around 200 calories, so don’t be afraid to get out there and shake!
Staying on top of your fitness routine while vacationing can be tricky if you go in unprepared, but keeping a few of these ideas in mind can certainly make your life easier!
