We all know the feeling. We are going on vacation and we think of all the delicacies and alcoholic beverages we are going to indulge in. Cue the guilt and the internal debate. Should I bring gym clothes? Nah! I’m on vacation! OR Yes! I need to workout to not blow all the hard work I’ve put in! As the young kids say these days…. The Struggle is Real.
BRING WORKOUT CLOTHES
Bottom line is YES you should bring workout clothes and sneakers with you on your trip. Regardless if you end up using them or not, you should have them on hand just in case. Remember, preparation is the key to success.
PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION
Back in the day, if I was going on vacation or traveling for work it would throw me into a tizzy wondering where I was going to workout. I didn’t want to blow all the hard work that I had put in. It would stress me out thinking of all of the food/booze I was going to indulge in (I had zero self control). Nowadays I don’t really think about it, I follow the tips I am about to share and know that moderation is the key.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO SPEND HOURS IN THE GYM
Many of you are in awe of people that actually work out when traveling. Did you know, you could be that person? Exercising on vacation isn’t actually as difficult and daunting as it sounds. It doesn’t mean that you have to go to a gym. It doesn’t mean that you have to spend countless hours “paying for your sins”.
5 simple ways to workout while traveling that will keep you healthy and happy.
- Sightsee by Foot. This is the best way to exercise AND see the city that you are in. Why take a cab when you have two capable legs? This is why you need to pack sneakers!
- Hotel Workout – 100 each – push ups, sit ups, bodyweight squats OR less intense – jumping jacks, high knees, butt kicks. You can pick a couple movements that you like (or don’t like) and repeat the movement 50-100 times.
- Go for a morning walk. (walk to get coffee, around the hotel grounds, on the treadmill)
- Use the stairs instead of elevator.
- Plan activities that make you exercise. (climb the steps of the Eiffel Tower, hike the Great Wall)
***Pack sneakers and at least one exercise/comfortable outfit. You can’t expect to walk the city in a dress and heels/loafers. Set yourself up for success.***
PLEASE NOTE: if you don’t regularly exercise at home then don’t go hiking Kilimanjaro on vacation. Start small. Walk, when you were going to use the subway or cab. Walk to get your morning coffee etc.
If you do regularly workout at home then try adding in the 100’s workout before you set out for the day or 20 minutes on the treadmill at the hotel gym. It will get your heart pumping your juices flowing and your mental game on point to tackle the day!
My husband and I try to do the 100 workout in our hotel room every day before becoming tourists. Or we walk the entire city and stop periodically and get beer or crepes along the way.
GET MOVING!
The moral of the story here is just do something. You will be surprised at how doing even 10 minutes of something while on vacation helps your mental game. You feel accomplished, healthy, and start the day with a positive mindset.
Remember that something is better than nothing, and everyone can do it!! I believe!
*Click here to read my other article about “eating” on vacation!*
Make Health a Priority: 8 Ways to Make Health a Priority in Your Life!