Health & Fitness

Working Out And Being Healthy While On Vacation (Yes, Vacation!)

Working Out And Being Healthy While On Vacation (Yes, Vacation!)



A vacation for most people symbolizes a break from their normal lives and their normal everyday routines. Most people want to forget about school, work, perhaps ditch the kids with a relative, put their feet up, and relax somewhere. Breaking the normal routine also means for some people, no gym time and no eating right. You're on vacation, right? But your health and well being shouldn't have to be something you want to take a break from. A good workout is energizing and good for the body and so is a healthy diet. As with anything in life, you need to strive for a balance between some really good habits, and maybe some not so good ones. Here are some simple tips for staying healthy while on vacation.


1. Book a hotel or airBnB that lists it as "being within walking distance..."


One of the easiest ways to sneak some exercise into your vacation is to walk everywhere. Not only is it great for your body, but it will save some money and you'll get to see more of your vacation destination.


2. Plan to do some active things on vacation


Take a look around. Odds are you booked this place because its beautiful. Take advantage of a cities bike share program, go swimming, take a hike, go for a run on the beach, ski down those slopes, paddle down that river. Find out what the locals like to do for a workout and join them. I'm not saying don't plan to completely veg out and do nothing on some days of your vacation, but take full advantage of your destination and get more pictures and have more fun doing more interesting things than lying on a couch. You can do that at home.


Working Out And Being Healthy While On Vacation (Yes, Vacation!)



3. Hotel + Gym Included


Book a hotel with a gym included. Don't just pass by the thing on your way out the door, use it if you prefer your normal workout structure or don't want to necessarily spend the rest of your day exercising. You don't have to go as hard or as long as you normally would, but put in a good 30 minute job on a treadmill and some light weight lifting and then forget about it, and enjoy the rest of your day doing what you like to do best. Also, why not try and sample the locals gym. Ask someone where you can go for a good workout and see if that gym has day passes. It might be fun to see how other cities or towns workout.


4. Eat whatever you want no more than once a day


This one is hard. You're on vacation, yes, the temptations to eat poorly are everywhere, yes, and eating unhealthy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner may seem like an awesome plan, but often times people get back from vacation having gained a couple of lbs and this and not exercising at all are the reasons why. Try to only do the crazy eating or the fast food meals no more than once a day. You want to enjoy the local food crazes and fast food, but don't overindulge.


5. If you are road tripping, meal prep for the road


The great thing about a road trip is you can pack whatever you want, and some good healthy food should be a part of it. Like the walking, packing your own food will save you and your family or SO, some money. Most places along the road side over charge because they often know you are on the road and have no other options, but opt to take your breaks at outdoor picnic rest stops where you can enjoy a bit of nature with some healthy snack foods and lunch options you packed yourself.


Working Out And Being Healthy While On Vacation (Yes, Vacation!)



6. You can still go grocery shopping


Most if not all places you go will have grocery stores. Make them one of your first stops in town at your destination and stock up on water, fruits, some easy breakfast foods like oatmeal or whole wheat toast, and some sandwich items. It can be fun to see what other grocery stores have that maybe the ones you have back at home don't. Be sure and check out and try local produce or regional specialties. If you are more inclined to do so, book an airbnb with a full kitchen where you can make full meals for you or your family at least a couple of times or you can take turns each making one meal for the family or your partner.


7. Youtube a free workout


Most people bring with them some sort of electronic device. Why not use it to help you get a workout in, even in your hotel room. Visit youtube and websites like FitnessBlender.com for tons of full free workouts you can use and do just about anywhere.




8. Avoid Boozing


Again, find your balance. Drinking adds up quickly in terms of calories and the effect it has on your body. Go out every night or just about, and you're stacking the deck against you. Moderation. Enjoy a few nights or a few drinks and then find other ways to enjoy yourself and the night life.


9. Pack your workout gear


It's easy to use the excuse, well I have nothing to workout in, but pack your workout clothes so you don't have any excuses. If you are road tripping it, you might want to go ahead and pack some light weights, exercise cables, push up bars, or whatever you can reasonably fit into your car for your trip. Make it as easy as possible for you to stick to some sort of exercise plan.


Working Out And Being Healthy While On Vacation (Yes, Vacation!)



10. Stay off the Glow


You're on vacation. Don't spend it staring a a phone, or a computer, or any other electronic device that can have your butt planted in a seat for hours on end. Go outside, see the sites, spend real quality time with friends and family. Why would you spend all the money you are spending, to do what you could be doing at home. Be adventurous, stay active, find the balance, and most of all enjoy yourself!

Working Out And Being Healthy While On Vacation (Yes, Vacation!)
Post Opinion