Vacations are a great opportunity to relax and unwind. We all need some time out from our busy lives, which a well-timed vacation can provide. However, many people completely neglect their exercise needs during their vacation. Not only does being inactive for a week or two make it much harder to perform in the gym when you return home, lack of exercise can also make you irritable and cause problems sleeping in the short term – which is the last thing you need when you are trying to relax! Here are some easy ways to fit in a light workout while you are on vacation.
1. Take a Morning Walk or Jog
Many people don’t feel like exercising while they are on vacation because either the weather is too hot or they are too busy with other activities. One way around these problems is to skip the lazy lie-in and instead go for a walk or jog. Getting out first thing in the morning will allow you to see something of the local area before it fills up with tourists. Starting your day with a short walk or jog will energize you and leave you plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day.
2. Swim Every Day
Many people take their vacations close to natural bodies of water, such as the ocean or a lake, which presents a wonderful opportunity for a daily swim. Swimming is fantastic cardiovascular exercise and is low-impact, which means that it is unlikely to cause injury. Even if you don’t have the beach on your doorstep, consider using the hotel pool or a local pool to get your daily workout in the water.
3. Take a Hike
Even if your vacation destination is urban, there are almost certainly places nearby where you can hike. Take advantage of the great transport links that most major cities enjoy to get out of the city and see something of the surrounding area. Spending a day hiking is a great way to add variety into your vacation activities and reconnect with nature. Take a camera to capture pictures of the local flora and fauna.
4. Take the Stairs
If you don’t want to set aside time for working out but still want to stay active during your vacation, you can easily get a workout by always taking the stairs rather than the elevator. Vacations abound with opportunity for step-up workouts – take the stairs to your room in the hotel, climb to the top of a local tower for a great view, and shun the elevators in favor of the stairs when exploring museums and galleries. All that stepping will tone your thighs and burn off any extra calories you take in, so you can enjoy that dessert without guilt!
5. Have an Adventure
Working out should be fun, and what could be more fun than an adrenalin-fueled adventure such as canyoning, climbing or kayaking? Check out the activities on offer in and around the place where you are staying and then enjoy having your pulse raised in more ways than one.
