Fitting Fitness into your Travels - Fun ways to stay fit on vacation and alert when you return Summer is here and ever reminding us of it’s presence with the beads of sweat that form on our foreheads the second we step outside. Escaping the heat is all you can think about; running away to a destination with clear water and cooler weather. You need a vacation. When we think of vacations, we tend to think about lounging around, eating all we want, and not worrying about the reality that awaits us at home. However, a week like this will send you home with a few extra pounds of “luggage”. Do you ever wonder why you feel more exhausted after you go back to work from a vacation? You would think that the week or two off would have you refreshed, when in fact it’s quite the opposite. The reason you feel so sluggish after your journeys does not necessarily have to do with jet lag. It’s the neglect on your health during your rendezvous that leaves you listless. You don’t think about the toxicity of the pina colada in each hand as you sip on them by the waves, or your immune systems depleting as the sun raze beats down on your skin. After all, you are on vacation and you shouldn’t have to worry about anything . . . right? That is until you are back at work and the keyboard looks like a good pillow for a nap. I challenge you this year to look at vacation a little differently. Make it active, make it healthy, but still have your fun. You will return to reality renewed and revitalized and your waistline won’t suffer. Three ways to sneak in a little fitness: Get off your duff Yes, the beach is gorgeous… but if you sit your bum in the sand you’ll only see a minor party of its beauty. Take a stroll and admire a mile or two of it. Search for sea shells as you walk along the shore, or wade in the water knee deep to get in some cardio. You’ll enjoy more of what the ocean has to offer and be working on that beach body of yours at the same time. Bring the gym with you Who says you have to walk into a fitness center to exercise? Try packing an inflatable ball and a few resistance bands in your suitcase. Some quick crunches, resisted squats and curls and your bathing suit confidence will sky rocket. I use my Oxygenfit Body Plan Kit during my travels; which has everything you need for a head to toe workout with equipment that fits in a purse. Go on an adventure Not all vacations have to be lazy. There are many companies out there that organize fitness adventures like kayaking weekends, hiking escapades, and camping tours down white water rapids. This is a fun way to get the whole family moving and trying something new. Sure, it’s great to have the waves tickle your toes, but riding the powerful white waters down the Grand Canyon… now that’s a vacation to brag about. Wherever you plan to travel this summer . . . have fun, be safe, and stay fit!
