Q: I am going on vacation and don’t want to get out of the workout routine I have established. Do you have any tips?
A: Of course, it depends on where you are going as to what you can use. If you have a gym available, for most people, first thing in the morning works best for them.
If a gym is not available, you can create an awesome routine with exercise equipment that uses stretchable tubes for resistance workouts. (Most of the time there are exercises included when you buy them.) The equipment is light and it does not take up a lot of space.
Now, to me vacation is stepping out of my typical day.
Too many people are so stressed before and during their vacation that they do not get the benefits they should be getting.
We Europeans know how to take vacation. We go at least three weeks at a time, preferably four. (The Dutch can do that with a minimum of five weeks of paid vacation.)
I am blessed that the YMCA lets me take two weeks at a time, especially when the vacation is overseas.
However, lots of companies don’t like you to take all of your vacation at one time. It means you need to make the best of what you do have, and get the most out of your vacation.
No, it does not mean that you do as much as you can do in the shortest amount of time available; it means you need to plan your vacation wisely.
First, what is your goal? Is it to de-stress? Is it to get yourself reconnected with friends and family? I hope you answered yes to both!
Plan a general schedule, but don’t feel you need to “stick to it.” Enjoy your time with friends and family.
Whether you are at the beach, the mountains, or a big city, walk as much as you can handle it, long walks on the beach, hikes in the mountains, walks from museum to museum will be a great part of your vacation that you can include as “exercising.”
There are so many fun, active things you can do on your vacation where ever you are. Make sure you take that time to “unstress” yourself. Stress will return soon enough.
Enjoy your fun, active but relaxing vacation.
Ester Marsh ACSM Cpt