For many, vacation can spell disaster for those who regularly exercise to stay fit. Many well-intentioned fitness buffs end up throwing their exercise plans out the window when they arrive at their vacation destination. But there is a way to have it all! Performing a modified exercise routine on vacation can actually provide you with more energy to see all the sites, and help you to shake off those travel aches, pains and stresses. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can stay fit on vacation and relax.
Hotels
Many hotels offer fitness centers on sight. When planning your vacation, check with hotels to see what they offer. Even if a hotel doesn’t have an on-site gym, many offer walking or running paths on property, or access to another hotel’s gym. Disney’s Polynesian Hotel, for example, offers an extensive jogging path and guests can use the fitness center at the next-door Grand Floridian on a daily or weekly basis.
Take advantage of your hotel’s offerings for activities like pool aerobics or paddle boating or canoeing. Recreational exercise provides a fun workout for the whole family.
Rental Homes
If you will be staying in a rental home, you have many options for exercise. If your home has a pool, take full advantage of it. A morning swim of laps, and some kicks holding the side of the pool is a refreshing way to start or end your day.
Some rental homes provide fitness equipment like bicycles. Take a ride through the neighborhoods and see the sights. Rental homes also provide plenty of space to do your own exercise. Pack a favorite exercise video and some exercise resistance bands. Simple exercises like push-ups and sit-ups are easy to do in your home’s living room or bedroom. You can also jog or walk through your neighborhood as well.
Check with your homeowner to see if there is a community park nearby. Many developments have parks with basketball or tennis courts. Recruit your neighbors for a friendly game in the afternoon.
Seeing the Sights
One of the best ways to exercise on vacation is to, well, just vacation! Destinations like Disney offer lots of opportunity to exercise in the form of plain, old walking. Take a brisk walk to the back of the park to start your day. Then stroll through the park the other way. Use the stairs when you can.
When vacationing, you may not want to jog your usual 5 miles, or take a spin class. But a little bit of planning ahead and creativity can provide you with some low-key exercise that will benefit your body and your vacation experience.