As we enter July and the vacation season ramps up, it’s easy to fall off the exercise wagon. Now, if you’re one of those rare breed who takes a break and just can’t wait to get back in the gym, this post probably isn’t for you. But if you’re like most of us, finding time for exercise is a constant battle…and it’s probably the last thing you want to think about while you’re on vacation. And unfortunately, going away has a tendency to lead you down some unhealthy rabbit holes, making it even harder to re-engage once you’re home. We’ve all come home from a vacation dreading that first workout.
Well, I have some good news. It doesn’t have to be that way. Fortunately, it can be pretty easy to stay fit on vacation if you manage expectations and plan accordingly. Before you click away thinking…“well yeah… it’s easy for him, fitness is his job,” hear me out.
Yes, staying in a routine during a vacation may be easier for me, but it isn’t because I have this burning desire to workout. There are days where I dread it as much as anyone else – especially after a late evening with good friends, food, and drink.
Here’s where managing expectations comes in:
- Don’t feel like you have to exercise every day…or even most days.
- And “exercise” doesn’t have to be what you do when you’re home. In fact, with just a little exercise while you’re gone you can feel great and jump back into your routine more easily…and you’ll be so glad you did.
Here are five tricks to stay on track while on vacation.
See the town
With exercises like running and biking, or even walking, there’s a bonus benefit to doing them in a new setting — the chance to explore and enjoy new scenery. I’ve even used running and biking as a way to find local attractions and new places to eat in town.
Try new things
We all get stuck in our rut of exercising. Use your vacation as a chance to try things you may not have access to at home. For example, if you’re at a lake or the beach, paddle boarding is great for core stability and if you paddle hard enough you’ll even get some cardio.
Get a trainer
Most hotel concierges have great contacts – or you can use Google or Yelp – for a gym where you can get a personal training session. Why not?
Do a 5-Minute Flow
Get in a Flow every morning. As most of you know, our owner Adrien Cotton is a huge fan of the 5-Minute Flow. Read one of her many blogs here about it here or come to her Fit for Life Fat Loss Program this summer to learn how you can stay fit in just five minutes of exercise daily! Her own coach Max Shank developed the program. Don’t be shocked by his 12 pack. He does the 5-Minute Flow daily!
Choose alone time…or family time
We’ve all wished for just five minutes of alone time on family vacation before. Going for a run, or even just a brisk walk, is a great way to enjoy some time to yourself. Or…maybe you just can’t get enough of your loved ones, in which case physical activity is a great way to bond. Go for a hike or rent kayaks. If you’re the sporty type of family, plan a family tennis tournament or basketball game. No matter the activity, it’ll bring everyone closer together and get everyone’s heart rate up.
