It sounds dreadful, doesn’t it? Trying to unwind, enjoy your time, and refresh yourself while also finding time to exercise can be extremely challenging. I just got back from a short getaway, and let me tell you, it was tough to fit in my workouts and keep an eye on what I was eating.
I attempted to get up early and go for a beach run—didn’t happen! I tried to squeeze in an afternoon workout between sightseeing—also didn’t happen! Getting up 30 minutes early to exercise or setting time aside during the day is hard. However, there are plenty of ways to get some exercise without needing morning runs or gym sessions (though those are great too).
Don’t stress about running three miles every day on vacation. Focus on having fun and fitting in some light exercise when you can. Don’t be hard on yourself if you miss a day. For instance, we walked the boardwalk, which was about two miles round-trip. It was fantastic—we saw some amazing boats, a beautiful bay, and a different perspective of the area.
If you know the area and plan ahead, you can bring your snorkel or running gear. Being prepared makes it easier to stay active. Having a friend or family member join you for these activities can be even more motivating and enjoyable.
If you can’t make it to the gym, don’t worry! You can still exercise in other ways—swim or snorkel in the ocean, bike through the countryside, or hike in the hills. If you’re a morning person, get your workout done early so you can enjoy the rest of your day. Even a quick HIIT session can be effective.
Although not a workout tip, staying hydrated is crucial. Nothing is worse than being on vacation without enough water. Whether it’s a long road trip or staying at a hotel with bad tap water, dehydration can make you feel tired and less energetic. Always come prepared with enough water.
If you don’t get in all your planned vacation workouts, it’s totally fine! Vacations are for recharging both mentally and physically, so you can come back ready to hit the gym or jump back into your daily routine with renewed energy.
Enjoy your vacation—after all, you’ve earned it! Use these tips next time you’re on vacation or traveling to help you stay active and have fun.