While for some, vacations are an occasion to unwind and recharge in order to be more productive later, others don´t want to lose their progress maintaining a fitness routine during their stay.
In this post we will help you think through the question is Exercising on Vacation Right for you, and give you 10 other great ways to get some exercise during your vacation no matter where you go or what type.
Should You Exercise on Vacation?
But before we get into our tips, let´s talk about whether you should be exercising during your vacation.
Whether you should have a workout regimen while traveling is more of a personal choice depending on your fitness goals, preferences, and how it fits into your wider health equation.
Some people may rest when they are off of work, while other put a higher value on staying active.
Benefits of Vacation Exercise
So while it is entirely okay to have a shitty time with your best friend then roll into a soft exchange with no regret, certain aspects of maintaining an exercise routine on vacations prove that moving more can you some good.
Combatting Sedentariness:
Long relaxation duration gives rise to lethargy. It can provide a good relief to perform some physical exercise during your vacations and make you feel livelier.
Mental Well-being:
Exercise is known to improve mood and decrease stress levels, thus being a great tool for ensuring that you remain healthy whilst away from home if the change of scene triggers an increased level of anxiety.
Physical Fitness:
Those with season specific fitness goals or perhaps an upcoming event to train for not negating the fact that such times should be treated as down time, maintaining physical activity over a vacation will help prevent unfitting shape and loss of progress!
10 Alternative Tips for Exercising on Vacation:
1. Walk or Jogging: Try a few parks, scenic trails, and vibrant neighborhoods with your feet stay active while immersing in the culture of your destination.
2. Use Your Hotel Gym: Many hotels have a fitness center that offers different exercising options. Make sure you include some cardio and resistance training exercises as part of your workout.
3. Watch Workout Videos or Apps: Who says you cannot follow workout easily in your accommodation by checking some work videos or apps. Select workouts from yoga and High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), according to your choice.
4. Pack Portable Resistance Bands: Toss a lightweight resistance band in your gym bag for an easy workout. Target muscles with Resistance Band exercises you can do anywhere.
5. Engaging in Local Activities: Look up and engage into various physical activities present at your destination which could include snorkeling, paddle boarding and surfing. Engage in the sounds and/ or sights of location running (while keeping active)
6. Choose Active Sightseeing: Walk or bike around the city, instead of using the sightseeing tour bus. Plan sightseeing that is also active.
7. The Plan: Hit Up the Day Passes and Drop-ins Take advantage of day passes or drop-in classes at local fitness studios or resorts. Take a class – sign up for a fun yoga or spinning class at your local gym.
8. Get into Interval Training: Add a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session to your week for about 15–20 minutes of exercise. Intense exercise & recovery workout.
9. Best of all, you can build muscle: By doing repeating bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, pushups and planks without any fancy equipment. Keep Your Muscle Tone and Strength during your vacations.
10. Modify Your Routine for the Length of Your Trip: Change your workout schedule according to how long you are expected to be away. Not only should you strive for consistency on short trips, but also make time to stick with your training on those longer adventures.
Final Thoughts
Whether you work out on vacation or not, the most important is to listen to what your mind and body need and take care of yourself.
If you want the things covered in example 2 while on your vacation, and choose to remain active whilst getting away from everything then the other suggestions listed above present real-world ways to do that.
The key is to find that middle ground where you can still enjoy your holiday whilst continuing to work towards all the health and fitness goals you are determined to achieve. Drive safe & keep on moving!