Going on vacation can be a fantastic way to blow off some steam or simply see the world. Traveling is one of the best ways to expose yourself to another culture or another country and simply see how other people live. It can also be beneficial for your mental health to get away from all of the problems and surroundings of daily life and experience something new for a change. From new views to new foods, there is so much to be gained by simply visiting someplace different.
Unfortunately, traveling brings some unfortunate side effects as well. From disrupting your normal routine to constantly eating out, being on vacation can ruin your fitness plan and leave you feeling in worse physical health than when you started. Additionally, traveling can make it hard to maintain a healthy sleep schedule, further throwing your fitness and health out of balance. Fortunately, by following a few simple tips, you can make sure you stay healthy and fit while traveling this year.
Practice Good Packing
One of the most common causes of poor fitness during vacations is due to poor packing. If you only pack fancy or dressy clothes, it’ll be harder to get active or moving. It’s important to bring clothes you can be active in when you pack if you’re thinking about staying fit and healthy during your trip. Bring comfortable shoes, like sneakers or running shoes, and don’t forget to include clothes that you can move around and sweat in, like t-shirts, yoga pants, and shorts. Even bringing something like a jump rope can be a portable, easy and fun way to get a workout in while you’re out and about.
Another way that smart packing can help you stay in shape while on vacation is by bringing some healthy foods and snacks with you. Not only does this cut down on the number of times you have to eat at a restaurant, where the food tends to be more calorie-dense compared to at-home alternatives, you can also make sure you’re getting a healthy intake of protein to keep you at your physical best. Consider packing some almonds or protein bars for your trip. Your muscles will be sure to thank you.
Wake Up Early
Although waking up early may seem like the last thing you want to do while on vacation (after all, isn’t that what the workweek is for?) Getting out of bed bright and early can help you stay active for longer during the day. Not only does it provide you with some spare time to get a bit of a workout in, but it also gives you an opportunity to get some of the housekeeping out of the way so you can spend the rest of your day going on adventures or relaxing.
There are also a variety of health benefits from waking up early, such as more energy during the day and better quality sleep. Curiously enough, sleeping in can often ironically make you feel lethargic and tired. Sticking to a healthy sleep schedule, though, is one of the best ways you can ensure that you stay in shape on your vacation.
Stay Active
Staying active is one of the most important parts of staying in shape. Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you can’t still work out! Traveling is actually one of the best ways to get more active if you do it right. Instead of simply lounging around at a resort or beach all day, go sightseeing and tour the city or the surrounding area of where you’re staying.
You won’t see anything if you stay in one place, anyway. You can also look into fitness centers and gyms around where you’re staying to keep to your workout schedule. Oftentimes, the gyms in Orange County, New York City, Miami, and other popular travel destinations are world-class, so don’t miss out on getting your sweat on at any of these local workout centers!
Watch What You Eat
When talking about staying in shape, what you eat is one of the most important factors. Healthy eating doesn’t just mean eating fewer calories, although a lighter diet will certainly help with weight loss. It’s also important to maintain a balanced diet of a variety of food groups to ensure that you’re getting all the nutrients you need. Many restaurants can make it harder to eat enough vegetables or certain foods like dairy. By watching what you eat, you can make sure you feel and stay healthy throughout your trip.
Take Advantage of Experiences
Finally, simply taking advantage of your travels can help to ensure you stay in shape. If you’re on the coast of California, why not try your hand at surfing? Go rock-climbing or scuba diving if you can. Many experiences can only be had while traveling, and you can bet they’ll help you stay in shape, as well! No matter how you approach your vacation plans, by following these tips, you can help make sure you feel great when you do finally return!