Staying in shape while on vacation may not be your main concern. Let’s be honest, this is the perfect opportunity to overindulge. After months of hard work all you dream about is just relax by the poolside, enjoy a fresh cocktail and let all your worries fade away.
At the same time going on vacation doesn’t necessarily have to mean you can’t be physically active and maintain your health and fitness goals. Of course you may not be able to stick to absolutely all the healthy habits, but there are plenty of things you can do in order to stay fit while traveling.
Below you can discover a list of numerous activities that can help you remain physically active and prevent those extra pounds from piling on.
Walk, Walk, Walk…
This is by far the simplest form of exercise you can integrate in your daily schedule. Begin by taking the stairs instead of the elevator and then start walking. If you’re visiting a city, skip the bus tour. Walk to the old town, to the main sights, to a park or to a typical neighborhood. This is a great way to burn calories and at the same time to meet and bond with the locals and benefit from an authentic experience.
In order to keep track of how many steps you take daily simply download a pedometer app as our own ActivityTracker. This will give you insight into your daily step count, the distance covered, the time spent physically active, as well as the total calorie burn. You can set a weekly step target and periodically check your progress to see how you’re doing. This will provide you with that extra boost you need in order to stay active daily and reach your goal.
Embrace Nature Adventures
Are you traveling to a mountainous island or region? If the answer is yes, then hiking up a mountain is a must. Do your research beforehand and see which are the most suitable nature trails for your fitness level. Hiking is a great way not only to stay in shape on vacation, but also to get your mind off things, relieve stress and enjoy some scenic views.
Feeling more adventurous? Then take things to the next level and try outdoor activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, such as rock climbing or white water rafting. Since it engages various muscle groups, rafting is an intense form of exercise that will help you burn up to 400 calories per hour.
Fun Sports at the Beach
Going barefoot on sand is not only relaxing and pleasant, but it also comes along with health benefits. Walking or running on the beach can help you burn up to 50% more calories in comparison to walking or running on a hard surface due to a considerably higher energy expenditure.
If you want to do more, engaging in various sports is a great way to have fun and stay fit at the same time. Playing frisbee, badminton, beach volleyball or soccer can easily turn into the perfect workout. These activities will work your entire body and will help you maintain your fitness, while having a good time.
Hit the Water
Since you’re on the beach, it’s basically impossible to stay away from the water. The ocean is a great place to cool off during a hot day, and also the place to engage in numerous sport activities that will help you return from your vacation without extra padding around your middle.
Swimming, surfing, paddle boarding, snorkeling or scuba diving… these are all great workouts that will engage various muscle groups in your body and allow you to burn those unwanted calories. Another fun way to stay physically active is to jump in the waves. Yes, that’s true. By simply jumping in the waves for an hour you’ll be able to burn approximately 300 calories.
Hotel Workout? Why Not
Although you may want to spend as much time as possible outside while on vacation, you can carefully plan your trip and still find moments for an inside workout if this appeals to you. Many accommodations offer today well-equipped gyms or fitness centers that will allow you to keep your body fit during your vacation.
In case you don’t have access to a gym and require a guided workout, you can easily turn your own phone into a personal coach. There are plenty of fitness apps that can provide different forms of exercising along with precise audio and video instructions.
As a conclusion, going on vacation doesn’t automatically imply you can’t maintain your fitness level. There are plenty of fun activities you can integrate in your daily schedule in order to remain in shape while traveling. Just be physically active as much as you can, eat and drink what you like but with moderation and you’ll definitely return home without extra baggage.
