How to Make Your Summer Getaway Fitness Friendly

Hi there friends!  We’ve been experiencing a few really hot summer days here lately which makes me wish I was sitting on the beach or at least by a nice pool!  With summer vacations and days at the beach on everyone’s mind, I thought I would share with you a few little tips on How to Make Your Summer Getaway Fitness Friendly!

1.       Pack like you mean it.  When choosing between which cute sandals you are going to bring and how many bathing suits you’ll need, don’t forget to add in essentials like socks, shoes and one to two workout outfits (honestly, I just reuse my clothes when I travel since they are just going to get sweaty anyway!).  It’s so easy to find an excuse not to workout or be active when you don’t have the right gear so set yourself up for success.

2.       Throw in a few extras.  If you’ve got the space, I recommend throwing in a resistance band, jump rope or even a DVD to take with you.  Easy and portable equipment will help you squeeze in a workout even when you are far away from the amenities of your gym.  Resistance bands are great for strength, toning and even assisted stretching.  Jump ropes are killer cardio machines and if you are planning on bringing your computer or will have access to a DVD player, you’ll be all set with your favorite workout DVD!  

3.        Explore your new locale.  One of the easiest ways to get in a workout is to disguise it as sightseeing!  When I visited Sydney for the first time, many moons ago, I threw on a pair of running shoes and jogged around the Royal Botanical Gardens.  Oh hello famous Opera House!  Walking is great exercise too.  Throw on some sneakers and do a power walk around the neighborhood.  Or, one of my favorite activities…biking!  With bike shares cropping up in many major cities, you can easily get from point A to point B for a low price on a city bike.  And if you are vacationing near a beach, check around for local bike shops renting cruisers or hybrids then ride to the beach!  If you are in Cape Cod this summer, don’t forget to check out the Cape Cod Rail Trail (one of my favorites!). 

4.       Try some new activities.  I could go on and on with this one!  There are so many fun activities you can try in these warm summer months: tennis, golf, stand up paddling, kayaking even just playing some backyard games like Frisbee will help get you moving! 

5.       Just relax.  Ok, I hear you!  We are all overwhelmed, super busy and on the go.  Who doesn’t want to just relax on vacation?  Well, take this time to mindfully relax.  Practice a few minutes of meditation or some easy stretching or yoga.  Unwind with a good book.  Whatever you do, don’t just plop yourself in front of the TV and call it “relaxing!” 

Whatever your travel plans are this summer, just remember that focusing on being healthy is the key to success.  The more you think about making healthy choices, the more you are actually likely to make healthy choices. Don’t let all your hard work fly out the window in one week!

Readers, what are your best tips for staying active and fit while on vacation?  Are you more of a go-go-go person on vacation or a sit down & rest person?  Where ARE you going this summer?