People are excited to head on vacation this summer, but as you book your tickets and set out your itinerary, there’s one thing you shouldn’t forget to account for: your exercise routine. Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean your fitness practices should take a break, too. Still, you’ll need to be plan wisely in order to get the full benefits since working out on the go can come with some challenges.
Check For A Gym
Some people are gym rats by nature and, if that sounds like you, a simple hotel room workout may not seem like enough. If you’re concerned about this, the simplest thing you can do is to ask about the presence of an onsite or area gym when planning your trip. Most hotels either have a gym at the facility or partner with a local gym to provide short-term or day user rates. Onsite hotels may not be as comprehensive as you’d like, but they’re still a good option.
Try A Remote Program
Another way to make sure that you’re still getting a good workout while traveling is by choosing a remote fitness program so that you have guidance on the go. Luckily, online personal training programs are increasingly widely available, allowing you to maintain continuity. Additionally, one of the added benefits of working with a personal trainer is that their job is to support your individual needs. Let them know you’ll be traveling and ask for help adapting your workout routine based on the tools you’ll have available to you.
Consider Your Itinerary
A lot of people find that vacations are physically exhausting because they often push themselves to do far more activity on their trips than they do at home. That’s great, but you also need to take that added activity into account. You may not have the energy for your usual exercises because you’re already getting a ton of physical activity walking around the city you’re visiting, hiking, swimming, or engaging in other activities. In other words, while you should still exercise while you’re on vacation, it may ultimately look very different than what you expect, to the point that it doesn’t seem like exercise at all!
Choose Gear You Can Pack
Besides some sneakers and workout clothes, there are a handful of small items you can bring on vacation to enhance your workouts. In particular, you’ll want to bring a set of resistance bands and a jump rope along with you, as well as a yoga mat. Depending on your usual fitness routine and your preferences, though, you may also consider emphasizing bodyweight workouts, which allow you to strength train without any added weights.
Some destinations lend themselves to exercise, simply because they’re outdoorsy or involve a lot of walking or climbing, while other trips may be more sedentary. That doesn’t make one better than the other, but simply means they will require different adaptations in order to ensure you keep moving. And, don’t forget, if you miss a day or two of workouts while you’re traveling, it’s not the end of the world. Both travel and fitness should enrich your life, and sometimes that means leaning into the present instead of tying yourself to an agenda.
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