Fitting in Fitness on Vacation...Part One
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When you are planning vacation, you think about the places you'll see or the beach you'll lounge beside. You pack your favorite book and the tropical print you wear once a year. You plan your route, how long it will take to get there, and what distractions to have for the kids if it is a long drive. If you are flying you compare airline deals and you pack your essentials in your carry-on and your liquid items according to regulations.
But where does fitness fit in on your vacation? Here are a few ideas.
First, decide if you want to Use, Maintain, or Increase your fitness.
USE IT - If you want to Use it, try hiking, skiing, learning to kiteboard, kayak, or surf in the ocean. Keep your eyes open for opportunities. A few years ago we were in CO and a rock-climbing gym was having a grand opening. Doug likes to rock climb and I had never tried it. So, off we went for a free afternoon of indoor climbing. (I'm glad it was free, because I discovered I find facing a wall for hours boring, despite the physical challenge of climbing.)
MAINTAIN IT - If you want to Maintain your fitness, consider the length of your vacation. If it is a long 4 day weekend, your fitness will maintain itself and your body will appreciate the rest. Don't plan any workouts, just stay generally active (shopping, sight-seeing, and so on).
If your vacation is 1-2 weeks, you can ease back on your workouts and maintain. For example, if you usually walk 4 miles on 5-6 days each week, then cutting back to 3-4 days will maintain your fitness. If you usually lift weights or do yoga for an hour 3 days each week, make sure you get in 1-2 days to maintain your strength and flexibility.
If you are going for more than 2 weeks, you will need to keep up some of your normal routine.
INCREASE IT - Ahhh....here's where the adventure spas come in. You can create your "stay-cation" spa, too. I'll post a whole blog on creating a wellness stay-cation.
Next up? Questions to ask yourself when planning vacation.
