No one wants to undo all of their hard work at the gym because of one vacation. Too often people return from a few weeks away feeling heavy and out of shape. While it’s important to enjoy yourself on vacation, it’s possible to maintain your physique and stay in shape as well. Here are some tips for staying fit on vacation.
Make Reasonable Goals
The fitness goals that you set for yourself on vacation should be reasonable. First and foremost, you shouldn’t plan to work out more on vacation than you normally do. Your vacation fitness goals should entail staying in shape while still giving yourself ample time to relax and enjoy yourself. It’s admirable to want to stay fit while you’re on vacation, but it should never be at the expense of your enjoyment.
Bring the Right Gear
You don’t need to bring a lot of clothing and equipment to stay fit on vacation. You can simply bring your favorite exercise bra, a pair of running shoes, workout tops and a few pairs of shorts or leggings. In addition to clothing, you can also bring a few pieces of workout equipment such as workout bands, headphones, or even small weights.
Create a Plan Before You Go
If you know you need access to a gym on vacation, don’t wait until you arrive at your destination to figure out if you’ll be able to find one that sells affordable guest passes. Instead, research your destination beforehand so you can create a plan of action before you arrive. If you’re staying at a hotel you’ll likely be able to use their fitness center, but you should check out a few photos on the website before you go to make sure they’ll have everything you need.
Don’t Punish Yourself
You might not want to lose your fitness progress while you’re on vacation, but you don’t want to deprive yourself either. Vacation is the time when you should let loose and live a little. Don’t punish yourself by depriving yourself of all the local treats and cuisine. Remember, moderation is key. Try a little bit of everything and make up for it with workouts and walking.
Factor in Walking
Many travelers report that they lose weight on vacation, despite the fact that they’re eating in abundance. This often has to do with the fact that they’re walking all day as they explore a new place. If you’re going to spend a whole day exploring a foreign city on foot, then an additional workout might not be necessary. Don’t forget to factor in all the walking you’ll be doing when you’re planning your vacation fitness strategy.
Keep it Simple
You don’t need to kill yourself at the hotel gym to maintain your physique. In addition to walking as much as possible, a few simple pushups and squats each morning in your hotel room can keep you toned and healthy without taking up too many hours of your day. Don’t think that just because an exercise doesn’t require equipment or a big-time commitment doesn’t mean that it isn’t effective.
It’s possible to stay fit while still enjoying your vacation. If you follow these tips, you’ll look great while still enjoying all that your destination has to offer.
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