With the New Year just behind us and the resolve on resolutions fading, the idea of working out on vacation may seem like a daunting task. Yet way back when (in 2018) you decided to lose those last couple of pounds, what kept you from doing it? Most people would say “time”. What do you have an excess of while on vacation? Time.
Contrary to popular belief, vacation is the perfect time to renew your resolution to stay healthy. Who wouldn’t want to travel to a beautiful place and while you’re there be doing something that makes you feel strong, healthy, happy, and makes your time spent relaxing all the more worth it? Here at RA Travel we know we would, and with that said, here are our top 7 tips for staying fit while traveling.
1) Use the Gaps
Waiting for a flight? Waiting for Check in? Waiting for your friend at the rest stop even though you told them a hundred times not to finish that second Big Gulp? Fill the gap with a little movement. A brisk walk around the airport, the area around your hotel or even some light stretching at the car can be a big help in rebooting energy, burning a few extra calories and keeping your body in motion.
2) Remind Your Body It Can Move
If you’re traveling a really long distance, (think international flights or car trips) your muscles can become extremely tight and stagnant. Making sure to stretch lightly after getting off your flight or out of your car can be the most helpful way to keep your body feeling strong. If you feel strong instead of tired it will be far easier to stick to your vacation workout plan.
3) Rise With the Sun
I can hear the groans; I know waking up early is probably the last thing on the list of Vacation To Do’s – but realistically, at the end of the day after whatever activities people have participated in, they are far more likely to simply hit the hay and skip the workout. Waking up just 15 to 30 minutes earlier than planned and starting your day with your workout can make it a lot easier. Beginning with a little exercise will also boost your metabolism and get your body helping you out all day.
4) Know What to Bring With You…
If you’re used to having equipment or working in the gym, traveling can be a particular challenge. No one wants to waste precious (and expensive) suitcase space on cumbersome workout equipment. But no worries, you can leave the dumbbells behind. When traveling, the smartest move is to bring compact lightweight equipment with you. Try packing a jump rope. Jumping ropes take up only a few square feet and burns more calories per minute than any other type of cardio. Or pack some resistance bands. Folded up into a bag, they can travel without compromising space in even the smallest carry-on; and if you really miss the burn of lifting a little weight, water bottles can easily double as needed hydration and light weights for your workout.
5) And Know Your Weaknesses
Another part of keeping weight off during a vacation is food. By all means, enjoy the delicacies and specialties of your region of travel but pay attention to portions and know your weaknesses. If you are a giant green eat everything plus the silverware monster when pasta is involved, opt for other local cuisine or have a full glass of water before hitting that fantastic Italian place.
6) Use Your Hotel Room in Your Favor
Try skipping the indulgent sticky waffle covered continental breakfast in your room. Most hotel rooms have coffee makers and the hot water dispensed is perfect for mixing with healthier options like oatmeal and trail mix. You’ll be able to keep the calorie count under control and enjoy breakfast in bed.
7) Make the Workout Your Constant
We as humans are creatures of habit; we naturally look for and enjoy patterns. Make your workout the constant on your trip. While you’ll be experiencing new activities, new people, and new places, your body will naturally long for a something familiar. Instead of television before bed or a nightly trip to the hotel bar, make 30 minutes of exercise your constant – your body will thank you.
It’s been said that “motivation doesn’t last, and neither does bathing, that’s why we recommend it daily.” If it is truly your goal to maintain healthy lifestyle, vacations must not be exempt. Make it your number one goal to motivate yourself, remind yourself you can do it, and stick to the plan. It will be easier than you think.