04 Nov Fitness doesn’t need to take break on vacation
We all need a vacation every now and then, but going back to work is never easy. It becomes even more of a downer if you’ve packed on extra pounds during your hiatus.
With some common sense and pre-planning, you can avoid super-sizing your love handles while on a trip.
Here are five tips to stay fit while on vacation:
* Be realistic about fitness
As much as we hope to avoid it, chances are you’ll arrive at your vacation destination with an itinerary. You may have helped set it, or your mother-in-law may have written it up. There may be historic Indian mounds to visit, or pound cakes to sample on a day trip to see eccentric Aunt Susan.
Understand that you won’t have as much time for fitness as usual, but even if you put just 40-50 percent of the effort you normally do into exercising it will make a big difference.
* Plan ahead
Before you even board the plane or jump in the family wagon, find out what workout facilities might be available at your hotel. If you’re staying with a relative, ask if they have workout equipment or nearby facilities, such as parks, jogging trails or even local gyms that offer day passes.
* Pack your fitness
If you don’t think there will be suitable workout facilities for you on vacation, you can always pack a resistance band and jump rope. Those two items, along with doing push-ups, sit-ups, dips and running can give you an all-around cardio and strength training workout. Also, remember to pack the right clothes to exercise in the climate you’ll be in.
* Go for walks
This is one of my favorite vacation activities. What could be better than burning calories while taking in different scenery?
* Go on an athletic outing
Instead of going shopping and then eating at the Cheesecake Factory, suggest an outdoor trip such as a day hike, bike ride or kayaking adventure.
At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com