Will I be able to train during this holiday? This is an important question that we ask ourselves before we cross national borders. We understand that you instinctively want to say “no”. A glass of wine and a portion of pasta are delicious. Jogging at 8 a.m. is not. However, with the right planning, travel and fitness can be possible side by side and can also be successfully implemented.
Here are our top 10 fitness tips to stay active while traveling:
1. Fitness tip: Choose the stairs
Skip the elevator and take the stairs instead, whether you’re in a hotel or at a higher location like the Eiffel Tower. Such a fantastic calorie burner!
2. Fitness tip: Explore the area on foot instead of taking a taxi or scooter
Walking is often the best way to experience the delights, smells, and surprises of the cultures you visit, from the exquisite gardens of London to Tianamen Square, and so to exercise on vacation.
3. Fitness tip: Play with the children
Let your mind wander and enjoy a little sunbathing, but also play a little with the children. Play in the “Marco Polo” swimming pool. Take a bike ride. Play hoops. Collect shells on the beach. Train your table tennis skills that you have had for decades but never lose. You’ll probably have just as much fun, if not more, than the kids.
4. Fitness tip: Build opportunities for exercise into every day of your holiday
Do you spend most of the morning standing in cathedrals and art museums? After lunch, set off on an aerobics excursion. Take a leisurely stroll on the beach or in the park. Or get hiking maps of the area from your hotel’s concierge. Your concierge should be able to recommend risk-free hiking trails if you’re in an unfamiliar area.
5. Fitness tip: Turn airports into hiking trails
Put on your favorite music and march up and down the terminal instead of sitting (you will often do this on the plane). Even if it’s not a full-fledged workout, every step counts. In just 15 minutes of brisk walking, you can burn 100 calories or more. Also, walking can prevent you from getting bored and going to the pizzeria at the airport.
6. Fitness tip: Book fitness when you travel
When booking a hotel, only choose hotels that offer guest cards to nearby gyms or centers. The best guarantee that you’ll schedule a workout every day is if you can get out of bed and into a gym within minutes. In addition, morning exercise increases your desire to eat healthier throughout the day.
7. Fitness tip: Just let go – discover new possibilities!
Even though it’s convenient to have a gym just below your hotel room, vacationing is also a time to enjoy yourself. The children want to climb a mountain on foot. Put on your hiking boots and go! Are you on your way to a diving or snorkeling course? Take part! Take a canoe trip on the river. Master the salsa dance. Volleyball on the beach. Ski on the water. Anything that makes you happier and gets your heart rate up at the same time is a win-win situation.
8. Fitness tip: Look for restaurants near your hotel that are within walking distance
Why take a taxi when you can leisurely stroll to and from the restaurant in the beautiful evening air? Plus, Dr. Robert Bauer, a diabetes expert at Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa, says that “taking a walk after a meal is an excellent way to keep blood sugar levels low.”
9. Fitness tip: Take care of your fitness
You may not have as much time to exercise on vacation as you do at home, but that’s okay. Always remember that it is always better to do something than to do nothing at all. Try to complete at least 50% of your usual program.
10. Fitness tip: Enjoy the benefits on holiday
Whenever you wake up, think about how nice it is to be able to walk and move around, and look forward to the wonderful activities you will do that day and the sights you will see. Seneca, a playwright in ancient Rome, once said that travel gives the mind new energy. You have this strength because you have taken good care of yourself by keeping fit!
