It’s mid-July and finally, FINALLY, you’re on vacation! You’ve planned, prepped, saved, and worked hard all year and now it’s time for that much-anticipated get-away. Whether you’re planning on complete relaxation with family or friends, an active vacation with a lot of walking and sightseeing, or a little bit of both, your workouts and fitness don’t have to suffer. Here are a couple of tips on how to stay fit and active while away.
Move your body. Maybe you’re not going to head to the gym every day, but a little bit of exercise helps. Try taking a brisk 20-minute walk or doing some body weight work that includes squats, lunges, planks, and push-ups. You’ll not only be moving but squeezing in that quick workout will make it easier to get back to your regular routine when vacation is over.
Even if you plan on not working out while you’re away, you can still find a workout through your daily activities. Play in the pool with the kids. Walk to get your afternoon or evening ice cream. Try carrying suitcases without wheels through the airport for a strength workout. Take a scenic bike ride. Or a hike. Walk on the beach. Swim in the ocean. Learn a new skill like paddleboard or snorkeling.
Mind your nutrition. But don’t deprive yourself. Plan to enjoy some special meals, but that doesn’t mean to go overboard. If you have a big dinner planned, try to limit snacking during the day so you can enjoy it without guilt. Can’t sit on the beach without eating red licorice? Bring some fruit or veggies along to balance out the sugary snack. Since it’s summer, there’s plenty of local fresh produce to try. Long road trip? Pack some healthy snacks so you don’t have to rely on fast food along the way.
Stay hydrated. If you’re going to be spending time in the sun or doing a lot of walking or other activities, maintaining your water intake is vital. Staying well hydrated also helps to ensure moderation when it comes to eating vacation meals and drinking adult beverages.
Focus on flexibility. Stretching and mobility work don’t need any equipment and can improve your range of motion, increase circulation, and calm your mind. Stretching can also enhance strength and decrease chance of injury. Try a yoga app like Daily Burn or a meditation app like Headspace or Calm.
Set your expectations. There is a very big possibility that you won’t be able to keep your regular exercise routine while you’re away. And there is nothing wrong with that! Giving your body the chance to recharge and reset is just as important as your work outs. Allowing your body to rest will give those little nagging aches and pains the chance to heal and will ultimately help you come back stronger and more determined when you get home.
