A vacation
can do wonders for reducing stress levels, but it can derail a healthy fitness
regimen. Even some of the most die-hard exercisers find it difficult to stick with a
workout program when away from home. Sure, many have good intentions. They may even pack
their workout attire. Unfortunately, their gear never makes it out of the suitcase until
they're back home.
But travel from home doesn't have to result in an interruption or
complete abandonment of your healthy habits. You can still fit in exercise time when away
from home, regardless of whether you find yourself in a warm or a cold climate. Even if
bad weather forces you into seclusion in your hotel room, there are exercises you can
complete without a single piece of equipment.
Below are some tips to help you stay fit
while traveling and avoid coming home with unwanted extra baggage.
- Be realistic.
You probably won't be able to fit in your normal weekly workouts and
that's okay. Shoot for completing at least 50% of your normal regimen.
- Plan ahead.
Before leaving town, find out what type of workout facilities your
accommodations will have or if there is a nearby park or jogging track (weather
permitting, of course).
- Scope out local gyms.
If you are staying somewhere that doesn't provide a workout
area then inquire at the nearby local fitness centers for their rates. Often they offer
day passes for minimal fees.
- Pack a resistance band in your suitcase.
The band takes up very little space, yet
can provide you with an entire upper and lower body workout routine.
- Don't deprive yourself of all local delicacies.
You can enjoy some special meals
without going overboard. Ask the restaurants to prepare your favorite dishes with a few
lower fat ingredients.
- Be creative.
Find unique, fun ways to exercise instead of doing the same routine you
do when you are at home. Try biking, hiking, a pedal boat excursion, water-skiing, beach
volleyball, etc. Effective workouts aren't limited to the standard fares of walking,
jogging and fitness machines.
- Try out your travel routine at least once at home.
A new workout that you've never
done before will require more time and preparation. This type of frustration just makes
for an easy excuse to skip the workout.
- Prepare snacks.
If your journey includes a lot of time in the car, be sure to pack
some healthy snacks so you aren't forced to eat at all the fast food and convenience shops
along the way.
- Play in the pool.
If lounging poolside is part of your vacation plans, then hop in
the pool every 20 minutes for 5-10 minutes of pool walking (try it in waist-deep or higher
water for a really challenging workout).
- Get comfortable.
Don't forget to pack comfortable workout attire that fits your
destination's climate.
Here is a quick, simple circuit workout
that only requires a resistance band and can be done anywhere. Complete at least
one set of 8-12 reps of each exercise. |
