It’s finally time for summer vacation. Whether you’re headed to a sandy beach or escaping to the mountains, there's no need to leave your fitness plans in the dust. In fact, vacation spots often offer some of the best ways to stay active without feeling like you're trapped in a gym. With a little creativity, you can work out on vacation and enjoy it.
How to hit your work out goals while on vacation
Move it!
One of the best ways to stay active on vacation is to get up and get moving. Going sightseeing in a new city? Skip the tour bus and walk or ride a bike instead. Exploring a beach town? Rent a paddleboard or kayak. If you're heading to the mountains, take advantage of scenic hiking trails or go rock climbing. These activities don’t feel like workouts, but they get your heart rate up and keep your body moving.
Pack it!
Your suitcase might be filled with swimsuits and flip flops but don’t forget the essentials for staying fit. A pair of athletic shoes, lightweight workout clothes, and a resistance band are your portable gym. Resistance bands take up almost no space in your suitcase but provide a full-body strength workout in your hotel room, on a balcony, or even at the park.
Other compact items like a jump rope or a travel yoga mat are easy to carry and help you stick to your routine. If you’re a runner, just lace up those running shoes and explore the area on foot.
Embrace it!
No gym? No problem. Bodyweight exercises are effective, simple, and can be done anywhere. Think squats, lunges, push-ups, planks, and burpees. These simple moves strengthen your muscles and get your blood pumping. No equipment required and no excuses.
You can set up a short bodyweight workout and complete it in less than 30 minutes. A quick but challenging vacation workout will keep you in shape and ready for the next adventure.
Try it!
Vacations are a great time to try a new activity or class that you don’t normally do at home. Many resorts and hotels offer yoga, dance, water aerobics, or fitness classes. Local gyms often offer day passes, and some cities even have outdoor fitness sessions in parks or on the beach.
Trying something new can keep your workouts fun and exciting. You might discover a new passion like aerial yoga or salsa dancing. Vacations are the perfect time to say yes to new experiences.
Plan it!
Having a fitness plan helps while traveling. Try to plan your workouts for the morning before your day gets busy. A quick morning workout sets a positive tone for the day and ensures it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.
Still, remember that you’re on vacation, not at boot camp. If you miss a workout, the fitness police will not show up. The goal isn’t to follow a perfect routine, it’s to keep your body active and your mindset healthy while you enjoy your time away.
Walk it!
Walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay active while on vacation. Whether you're roaming a museum, wandering through local shops, or trekking across a beach in search of that perfect shell, you're burning calories and staying active.
Set a goal of 10,000 steps a day. Use your phone or fitness tracker to log your steps, and make a game out of reaching your daily goal. Walking keeps your joints loose, helps digestion after those big vacation meals, and keeps you awake on those historic tours.
Fuel it!
You're on vacation so treat yourself to the foods you love, including ice cream and pizza. But if you want to keep feeling good while working out, mix in some real fuel like lean protein, veggies, fruits, and water. Lots of water.
Hydration is key, especially if your vacation workout includes sweating on a beach, hiking a trail, or even chasing small children through an amusement park. Carry a refillable water bottle everywhere you go to keep yourself hydrated and energized.
Share it!
Everything’s better with company, including working out. Invite your travel crew for a morning stretch session, a sunset walk, or a bike ride to breakfast. Yes, you can count the pancakes as post-workout fuel.
Make it fun. Start a silly step challenge. Do a yoga pose-off. Being active with others adds an element of fun and accountability. You might even start a new vacation tradition!
Rest it!
Your body needs rest as much as it needs movement, especially when your hotel mattress feels like it’s made of plywood. Recovery matters. Stretch it out, use a foam roller, or do light yoga to keep soreness at bay. And don’t skimp on sleep. You need energy for your adventures and those awkward family beach photos.
Enjoy it!
Vacation doesn’t mean you have to take a break from your fitness goals. With a little flexibility, some creative movement, and a healthy dose of humor, you can stay active without missing out on any of the fun. Whether you're hiking, paddleboarding, or doing squats between sightseeing stops, it all adds up. So, move your body, enjoy the scenery, and reward yourself, you’ve earned that tropical smoothie.
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Photo courtesy Pixabay/Pexels
Barbara Bauer is a Georgia-based blogger obsessed with inspiring others in the pursuit of self-development. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, drinking way too much coffee, and speaking with a British accent whenever possible.
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