It wouldn’t come as a surprise if I told you that on average, people tend to put on an additional 1-2 pounds on their vacation, right? And that’s if we’re talking about a short trip without too many temptations and with some sort of movement involved.
If you’ve been working hard on staying fit, vacation time can be a challenge. There are so many temptations to make you slip. Relaxing might make you feel lazy, and getting up to do some exercise requires very high self self discipline. Know that your hard work doesn’t have to go to waste! Here are some smart and enjoyable ways to be actively fit while enjoying everything your vacation destination offers.
Set Realistic Goals
This is vacation time, so let’s be realistic. The people on this trip will expect you to spend quality time with them. And even if you’re traveling solo, you have to explore as much as you can because of the limited time you have. Give yourself a break and don’t push yourself too hard. You’re not training for the Olympics! Less-intense and shorter workouts still count in your fitness journey.
Pack Your Workout Gear
Bring your gym clothes and sneakers with you on your next trip. Seeing them when you unpack will remind you of your fitness goals. You should also pack a resistance band so you can work out in your hotel room. These don’t take up much luggage space, and your sneakers can double as your walking shoes.
Get Your Family and Friends Involved
Multitask fitness and bonding time by involving your family and friends in staying fit while you’re on vacation. Plan group activities that will keep everyone moving. It could be a game of beach volleyball, biking around a scenic route, or an early morning photo walk. If everyone does it together, it will feel more like quality time than working out.
Stretch Daily
Traveling long hours makes your body stiff and uncomfortable. You know what can solve the problem? Stretches. All the sightseeing and activities you do while on vacation can also make you feel sore. Stretching can deal with that soreness and make it go away. It only takes about 10 minutes. The best part? You can do stretches anywhere.
Walk as Much as You Can
Walking is the easiest, low-effort way to stay active while you’re on vacation. When you walk instead of commute, it’s a great way to get a feel of the local vibe. Strolling around lets you see the little details that most tourists miss when they take a cab or the bus. Walking also gives you the flexibility to make little stops and explore things that aren’t on your itinerary. Remember—it’s always the spontaneous things that turn into the best memories.
Use the Stairs
Sneak in some exercise on your vacation by taking the stairs whenever you can. It’s a great way to get some cardio and a leg workout. Skip the escalator or elevator if it’s just a couple of floors. You don’t have to climb the stairs the whole way up. Just take a few floors and hop on the escalator when you think you’ve done enough.
Play With Your Kids
If it’s a family vacation, you can mix spending time with your kids and getting a little exercise by playing with them. You can teach them a sport like soccer, basketball, or baseball. You can even teach them an active hobby like flying a kite or riding a bike. Or you can play classic outdoor games like tag and frisbee. Not only do you burn calories, but you also create great memories.
Pick Accommodations With Gyms
To make things easier for you, choose a place that has its own gym. Most accommodations have basic equipment like free weights and treadmills for their guests. You can hit the gym early in the morning when everyone’s asleep or at night when everyone’s resting. This way, you can stick to your workout routine effortlessly.
Track Your Steps
One way to take the pressure off your shoulders is to track your steps. Even when you’re unable to go to the gym, seeing how much you’ve walked will make you realize you’re working out. You don’t even need to get a pedometer or a smartwatch. Most smartphones come with built-in step trackers. Watching your steps add up can actually be pretty motivating—it might even inspire you to walk a bit more throughout the day.
Go Hiking
Hiking is one of the best ways to get a whole-body workout while enjoying nature and a great view. Head to a national park and pick a trail. This is an adventure that everyone can enjoy—they can take pictures, learn more about nature, enjoy seeing different plants and flowers, and even spot wildlife. You can work up a sweat without even feeling like you’re working out.
Swim When You Can
You can get a whole-body workout when you hit the beach, lake, or pool while enjoying the water. Do a few laps to get your body moving and play some water games. Swimming keeps you active and ensures your companions have fun. It’s a sneaky way to combine your fitness goals and quality time with your family and friends.
Go Dancing
If you’re hitting the bars at night to experience local party life, you might as well burn some calories and do a lot of dancing. It’s an effortless and fun way to get your whole body moving without making it feel like work. Besides, vacations are about letting loose, so go ahead and dance the night away!
Use Fitness Apps
If you’re used to having someone around to guide you or train you, fitness apps can be a real lifesaver. These apps can give you guided workouts at different levels. There are a wide variety of exercises to choose from like yoga, cardio, and meditation. These workout routines don’t require much space or equipment, so you can do them in your hotel room.
Join a Local Fitness Class
You can look for a local fitness class like yoga, pilates, or aerobics. Some of these studios will allow you to pay per session, so you can just pop in when you have the time. Joining these classes is a great way to make new friends. You can ask them for recommendations, and some may even offer to show you around.
Watch What You Eat
Part of the vacation experience is to try out the local cuisine. Don’t worry—you don’t have to deprive yourself. After all, this might be your only chance to try an authentic foreign dish. Just make sure you don’t overindulge. Control your portions and calories. Better yet, stick to healthy food options when you dine out.
Having the vacation vibes doesn’t mean you should be lazy and mess up your progress. It’s easy to squeeze in activities that keep you active and maintain all your hard work. You’ll return home not only with cherished memories but also with as much energy and strength as you had before you left.
