We know you’re trying to relax and have a good time, but unfortunately, being on vacation is not an excuse to eat crazy, avoid being active and in general be a potential health disaster.
There are some fun and simple ways to enjoy your vacation…without sacrificing your health.
1. Be a picky eater. Airline and roadside-diner food can be a healthy diet destroyer. Also, abandon the too-popular myth that being away from home gives you the right to be on vacation from being healthy.
2. Bring your workout with you. If where you’re staying doesn’t have a gym (or if you simply prefer to do your own thing), pack some resistance bands, a jump rope, even a workout DVD. If necessary, write down a few key moves you can do in your room, like a few yoga/Pilates poses or your own quick circuit training routine, such as a series of jumping jacks, mountain climbers, squats, crunches, etc.
3. Arrive earlier than necessary. If possible, try to schedule your flight to arrive a few hours earlier than you absolutely must be there. This way, you can check in, put on some running/walking shoes and get a breath of fresh air…this is also a great way to explore a new city.
4. Set goals. Each time you travel, decide how many days you’ll work out during your trip. It forces you to plan your days and limits excuses once you get there.
5. Take advantage of your gym membership. Many gym chains participate in what’s called a passport program that allows you to work out at hundreds of clubs at no cost or for a nominal fee. Before I leave home, go to your gym’s website (or give them a call) and research whether or not there’s a gym close to where you’ll be staying.
6. Buy a new outfit. Something about new clothes inspires people to want to work hard to look good in them (especially if those new clothes include swim attire).
7. Walk when you fly. To avoid dangerous blood clots in your legs that can develop when you sit for long periods of time, stretch in your seat and get up frequently to walk the aisle (once the airline staff gives you the okay, of course).
8. Walk around the airport. Do a brisk walk around the terminal if you have the time and have checked in your luggage (or are with a friend, loved one or coworker who can watch it for you).
9. Rise and shine. If you feel out of sorts when you’re away from home, set aside 15 minutes in the morning to stretch, breathe deeply or do other wake-up exercises to get the day started on the right foot.
10. If possible, exercise early in the a.m. Hitting the hotel gym or doing your own fitness routine in your room first thing in the morning can help you avoid crowds and prevent you from creating excuses later in the day. Lay out your exercise clothes the night before, if it makes it easier for you.
11. Run in the pool. A great way to get some cardio on a day by the pool is to run laps in the water around the perimeter for more resistance than you’d get on land.
12. Get some rest. Exercise will often energize you, but if frequent travels have left you exhausted, don’t feel guilty about giving your body time to recuperate.
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