Travel and Exercise by Onica Sinclair
Who doesn’t love summer travel or vacation time? Well, for those of us that do, here are some tips on how to get a good workout in while away from your regular setting. Traveling doesn’t mean we have to leave our fitness behind so find ways to incorporate into your change of place. This can start from the moment you leave you arrive at the airport. Try walking from terminal to terminal if time permits, and take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
If you’re headed somewhere you can spend time outdoors think about activities that would be fun to do. For example, if you’re at a beach, try walking along the beach as often as you can. If you’re ready to get in the water, swimming is a great way to burn calories. You can also try some snorkeling. If you’re adventurous, try some surfing and paddle boarding. If you’re outdoor adventure happens to offer paths, take a hike or a bike ride. If you’re hiking, try adding on a backpack for added weight. Always pack a comfortable pair of shoes when going on vacation to leave out as many excuses as possible for not getting some work in.
Not the beach type? Maybe a fan of big cities. What are some of the special places you’d like to see? Map out some of the destinations and attractions you’d really like to visit and try to come up with a walking route. It’s a great way to make sure you get to see everything you wanted to, but also a great way to torch some major calories. If you’re checking out a high-rise building, try to see how many floors of stairs you can take.
Golfing trip? You’re in luck. If you walk the course carrying your bag, this is a great workout. You burn 200-300 calories per hour to be more precise. Out shopping instead of golfing? Walk the shopping strip. Hours of walking and carrying bags in a great way to get your heartrate up. Also, always take the stairs when possible.
If you are mainly going to be in a hotel room, all hope is not lost. There are some quick and effective activities that you can do in a small space. You can get your cardio in by doing jumping jacks, mountain climbers, and high knees and there are plenty of moves to do for strength. Pushups, crunches, glute bridges, and planks…just to name a few. And on the topic of hotels, don’t be afraid of or intimidated to use the hotel gym and pool. The hotel gym may have not carry your specific equipment, but they’ll provide options you can take to get the job done. If you packed a suit, take some laps in the pool.
Maybe you’re lucky enough to be visiting family. I know one of the things I look forward to when going home or having one of my sisters come up and visit is a couple of good workouts we can do together. If they have guest privileges to their gym, maybe you can tag along and lift together or push each other a little harder during a spin class. I have a HIIT workout that my sister is going to hate for me next time she visits!
Vacation is a time to be enjoyed, and if keeping active has become a part of your life and something you truly enjoy, as it has for me, the mix of the two can be easily done. You’re on vacation…excuses are on vacation too.
