by Kelly McPherson CPT, CFT, CES
Vacations can be tough on diet and exercise regimes. We generally aren't keeping our regular schedules, aren't in our normal surroundings or with our normal friends. Hmmmm....that is why we call it a vacation? Now, while it is important to take a break from time to time from the routine of our lives and it is equally important to get a break from our exercise and fitness goals, we don't want to come back from the beach having lost too much ground. Following are some suggestions on how to balance your vacation with your fitness goals.
Plan an activity vacation - Make sure that your vacation includes at least some physical activity. Swimming, hiking, biking are all great ideas. This is a great time to try out some new fitness activities that are completely different from what you are used to. Check with the Visitor's center of the location you are heading to for ideas before you leave and schedule them in.
Take good walking or running shoes - I can't tell you how many times we have been on vacation and I discovered the best restaurant, museum and local hang out on a quick morning run or walk. Not only could you add some fitness to your vacation, but you could add more vacation to it as well.
Look for a fun run/walk - In the summer time, in most locations, you can find a fun run/walk on just about every weekend. Do some research ahead of time and find them. Then you will likely get to bring home a cool souvenir in the form of a race shirt as well.
Plan your food - This is a hard one. Sometimes we just don’t have as much control over what we eat or there just aren’t very many healthy options. Do you best here. If possible, plan your food splurges. Sometimes, if you know that you are going to get that famous raspberry shake at Bear Lake tomorrow, you can say no to the smore’s tonight. I know that I often will eat super healthy for the whole trip in anticipation of my annual splurge of peppermint salt water taffy from a little shop in Depot Bay, Oregon.
Pack some snacks - If you don’t know if there will be a healthy option at that concession shack at the beach, then pack some of your favorite protein bars, fruit or other healthy snacks to have instead. This plan is also great for making sure you aren’t overly hungry when you do finally get to eat that meal at that favorite restaurant.
Well, I hope that this helps! Get out there and have some fun!