10 Ways to Stay in Shape on Vacation

As much as vacations present the perfect opportunity to relax and treat yourself, they can also be frustrating when there are fitness goals to maintain or achieve.

 

Nobody wants to undo weeks or months of progress in the gym and kitchen while away. At the same time, no sane person ever wants to go on vacation with a food scale, prepped meals, or gym equipment.

However, there are ways to stay fit while on vacation without feeling out of place.

You probably have heard people say, “You only live once, go out and enjoy your vacation”, or “One week away from the gym will not hurt your progress.”

And yes, these and other such remarks all make great points for discussion on while you must let your hair down and enjoy the time off. But let’s be real for a second.

How many people come back from a vacation with a few extra pounds? And No, I am not talking about extra pounds of luggage or shopping. I mean, how many people complain about going on vacation and returning a few pounds fluffier? Quite a lot, right?

This means that you are not being weird by seeking ways of staying on the fitness course while traveling or on vacation. Keep reading.  

10 ways to keep fit on vacation

1. Plan ahead

Find out if the hotel you will be staying at has a gym. If they do not, consider searching online for fitness centers in the area to access a gym while on holiday.

If you have no intentions of paying extra to workout in a gym, check out the surroundings of the resort you will be staying at or ask the hotel staff to point you in the right direction for safe places where you can jog or take brisk walks.

2. Pack with fitness in mind

While packing all your essential items for your holiday, leave some space in your suitcase for workout clothes.

Just because you’re off on vacation doesn’t mean your healthy lifestyle has to go on holiday too.

Show some love to your fitness goals by packing workout shoes and gym clothes that are suitable for the weather in your destination.

4. Be mindful of what you eat

As much as you would like to treat yourself while on vacation, remember that you are not a food vacuum. Eat mindfully and stop when full. Exercise self-control over food.

5. Watch out for the buffet

Resist the temptation that the breakfast buffet presents. You really do not need to stuff a plate with everything in sight, no matter how appealing the food is. Instead, pile your plate with lean proteins and veggies if you really have to. 

6. Don’t obsess about tracking calories/macros

You do not have to be uptight about how many calories are in every little thing you eat while on vacation. Live a little, but do not go overboard.

You will do yourself a huge favor if you just eyeball and estimate your portions rather than obsessing over and tracking every bite while on holiday.

7. Exercise when you can

Vacations are an excellent time for everyone to jump on the exercise wagon, especially people who often complain about not having enough time in a typical day to squeeze in a workout.

Related: 30-Day Fat Burning Workout Routines for Beginners

On your vacation, you have time and then some more time; use some of it to exercise. Workout first thing in the morning as this will allow you to leave the rest of the day open for unwinding by the pool or beach, sightseeing, drinking, and whatever else tickles your fancy.

Remember those workout shoes we packed in your suitcase at the beginning of this article? Now it’s time to unpack and put them to good use.

8. Walk, walk, walk

Walking is the most affordable and convenient way to stay fit. If you have a fitness tracker, use it to motivate you to get those steps in.

Opt for the stairs rather than the elevator.

Walk around the beach instead of just lounging around all day.

Go sightseeing on foot. The walking possibilities while on vacation are endless, as you can see.

9. Go hike or run

You have a choice to stay active or not while on vacation. Remember what we said about working out early in the morning?

Take a slow and easy early morning run around your hotel or the beach. If there are safe and cool hiking spots near your resort, go hiking!

Related: 7 benefits of running in the morning

10. Find the hotel’s gym

Most hotels and holiday resorts offer excellent gyms. Utilize them by incorporating an early morning workout before you begin your day.

If your hotel doesn’t have a gym, consider exercising in your room. There are plenty of bodyweight exercises such as squats, planks, push-ups, burpees, lunges, crunches, and so on that you can do.

Workouts you might like:

• 12 Days of Christmas Workout (No Equipment)
• How To Tone Flabby Arms

Lastly, how to stay fit while on vacation has everything to do with you getting sufficient rest. Get those zzzs in, and take naps when you have to.

Recharge your batteries and enjoy your vacation.