Summer is here, which means that many of us will be taking time away from work to relax, recharge, and explore somewhere new and exciting. Whether you’re headed across the globe or just a car ride away, taking a vacation means that your typical routine is shaken up a bit. While this may do wonders for your frame of mind, it often means that your workout schedule suffers as a result.
1. Try to find a hotel or other lodging situation with a gym or fitness room. While this may not be up to par with what you use at home, even a small space with treadmills, exercise balls and free weights can be enough to help keep you fit while you’re away. Many hotels and motels, even lower-budget ones, includes some sort of workout facility available to use for their guests. Spending a little bit of time there every day will ensure that you don’t fall off the fitness wagon while you’re enjoying your trip.
2. Swimming is a wonderful and relaxing way to burn calories and build strength. Doing laps in the hotel pool or going for a dip in the ocean will complement any other form of exercise in which you partake during your vacation.
3. Walking on the beach also burns more calories than walking on flat ground. (Some experts suggest that you can burn twice as many calories walking in soft sand!). Grab some water and go for a stroll – you’ll be surprised at the resistance sand offers.
4. Bringing along a few workout DVDs to play on your computer or television is a safe way to be certain that you’ll be active- even in the potential absence of a gym or pool, or in the event of bad weather. This way, you can spend free hours in your room ensuring that you stay toned and energized. DVDs are much easier to pack than other workout materials, and don’t require extra time or travel to access.
5. Exploring your vacation area on foot, walking to and from meals, and going for hikes is not only a great way to take in your new surroundings, but it helps to offset any extra calories you might be eating. Find walking paths or ask the front desk of your hotel where the best places are for walks, hikes, and strolls.
