Keeping up with your Fitness Goals on Vacation

We are all guilty of it — we go on vacation and ditch our diets and workout routines. It’s hard not to when everywhere you turn, you are surrounded with yummy foods and kids begging for tantalizing treats. Unfortunately, we pay the price once we return home and settle back into reality.

There is no reason we should have to suffer the aftermath for enjoying some well-deserved vacation time. After all, vacation should be fun, not work, right? So how do you balance between having fun, indulging in temptation and maintaining your healthy diet and workout routine? The answer is simple — balance! You’ve got to live a little when on vacation, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find creative ways to sneak a little exercise into your trip to balance out all those extra calories sure to creep into your diet.

While you may not be able to follow your regular routine of yoga and spin classes, these tips can help you keep your body moving until you get home and get back to the grind.

Walking Tours

Almost every city has one. They are not only a great way to get some much needed exercise in for you and your family, but they are a great way to get an intimate look at the city you are visiting. Tours range from guided to self-guided, high-end to donation-based, and are designed to meet a wide range of interests. Take a walking tour of the best chocolate shops in Paris or an after-dark ghost tour in New Orleans.

Photo: Marina Potapova | DreamstimeOutdoor Activities

Historical sites, amusement parks, museums and shopping are all great ways to enjoy your vacation destination but dig a little deeper to find some of the outdoors activities available as well. Horseback riding, water sports, hiking and skiing are great ways to sneak in some exercise while spending time with the family in a new city.

Walk the Beach

If you’re visiting a beach town, try to book a hotel near the waterfront. Walking the beach is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the fresh air. Walking in sand works muscles you may not ordinarily use, giving your body a unique workout. It’s not only good for you, but it’s something the whole family can enjoy together, especially if you’re in an area famous for beautiful seashells, such as the Gulf Coast of Florida and Alabama.

Photo: Flair Images | Dreamstime

Hotel Gyms and Pools

Do your research ahead of time and make sure you choose a hotel with a gym or a pool so you can sneak in a workout during downtime. Almost every hotel has a gym these days, and many of them have flexible hours so your workout routine won’t interfere with the activities your family planned. Some new boutique hotels are even offering a pass to a local gym when they don’t offer any on-site facilities.

While you may not be able to keep up a regular workout regimen during your vacation, a little bit of planning and determination will let you indulge a little while keeping you from straying too far from your fitness goals.