3 ways to sneak in exercise while you’re on vacation
By Brittany Anas
Thinking about taking a break from your exercise routine while on vacation? We’ve got three compelling reasons to convince you to stay on (the treadmill) track.
First, breaking a sweat and getting your heart rate up is a proven way to produce endorphins, the brain’s feel-good chemicals — boosting your vacation mood even higher, if that’s even possible. Secondly, you’ll likely be eating out at restaurants more than you would be if you were at home. Counteract some of those extra calories by working out daily and you won’t bring home “souvenir pounds.” And, third, sticking to routines require repetition. If you work out even while you’re on vacation, you’ll be more likely to stick to it when you get back home.
Forty-five percent of American travelers say they try to avoid gaining weight while they are on vacation, according to a survey sponsored by Marriott’s SpringHill Suites. More than half of respondents say walking or jogging is their favorite way to exercise on vacation and cardio machines.
Here are three ways to stay in shape while you’re on vacation:
- Book a hotel with a gym: Do your research when you’re booking a hotel and make sure the place where you’ll be staying has a gym with the type of equipment you like to use. Some hotels take it even a step further. Fairmont Hotels, for example, has a fitness program that is like fitness room service. They’ll deliver Reebok workout apparel and shoes, an MP3 player, yoga mat and stretch band to your room upon request. Westin Hotels has a partnership with New Balance and they’ll lend guests workout gear — shoes, shorts, even sports bras — to guests for a $5 fee. Some rooms in Westin hotels even feature stationary bikes or treadmills, as well as dumbbells, fitness DVDs and resistance bands.
- Go for lap swims in the hotel pool: Pack a swimsuit and some goggles so you can swim laps while your kids are playing Marco Polo in the hotel pool. Even getting in the pool or ocean and playing along with your kids can count as exercise. Keep moving and put your hands above your head and tread water as a core strengthening exercise that will also sculpt your arms and thighs.
- Plan active outdoor adventures: Make your vacation an active one. If you’re on a beach vacation, for example, sign up for surfing or paddle boarding lessons. Go water skiing on a lake or go hiking in the mountains. Instead of relying on a cab or your rental car, rent bikes to explore the city or go on a walking tour. Before you leave for vacation, check out your destination city’s visitor’s bureau to get ideas of outdoor adventures you can try out.
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