Safe and healthy travel is in all of the headlines these days as the coronavirus causes immense problems and concerns. And while it is important to know how to protect ourselves from germs as we go about our daily lives, most of us also worry about them when traveling.
For example, we have all learned that airplanes are quite heavy in the germ department and that it is best to bring antiseptic wipes to clean your airplane tray, TV controller, armrests, seat buckle, and so on. We know to avoid using blankets and pillows as they are not always sanitized, and the bathroom could be the topic for an entire article.
We know that we must also be attentive to germs and exposure as we go about the tasks in most travel ventures. But, what about health and fitness during a holiday? In other words, how do you easily maintain your current level of fitness or do your usual exercises when you are on the move?
Is a Vacation Going to Sabotage Your Fitness?
While getting away on a holiday is going to be a stress reducing experience for most of us, it can also get in the way of our usual daily workouts or other fitness regimens. It is very challenging to stick to the routine when there is no routine! Because of that, we suggest that you start your travel planning with an exploration of your options for accommodations, and focus on those with amenities that match your fitness needs.
As an example, when you book a luxury villa, it often includes a private fitness room or use of resort-like fitness facilities. It might also include a private swimming pool, beachfront with watersports gear, or access to training or exercise sessions.
Additionally, a larger space like a villa is going to also ensure that you have adequate room to do your usual moves. As an example, a traveler may have a bodyweight circuit workout they do each day with a resistance band. They need the space that a hotel room cannot allow, but they might not enjoy standing in the hotel or resort fitness room to do this routine.
If this travelers had a private villa, they could do all of their moves out on the terrace around the pool, in the private garden or in one of the larger rooms inside of the property.
Be Realistic
Another tip to consider is that you have to be realistic about what is and what is not possible while on vacation. If you spend over an hour a day jogging and working out, chances are that cannot be reasonably accomplished while on a vacation. Instead, you may want to simply plan for half of the usual routine. For example, if you do 30 minutes of body work and an hour of running, cut that down to 45 minutes of exercise total.
By looking into an accommodation with fitness options and being realistic, you may have already cut down on the amount of self-sabotage to occur. After that, it is about a bit of advance planning and packing, and you will more than likely find your normal routine remains on track.
What to Pack and Plan
We find that most travelers can do well with one or two of their usual resistance bands tucked into their suitcase. This allows them to do continue with an entire upper and lower body routine even if they are in an area where no fitness facilities are available.
And though we already noted that travelers should plan to do only half of their routine, they should also plan on enjoying themselves in a way that does NOT support their current weight or level of fitness. For example, one expert in travel and fitness said that you must plan “to enjoy some special meals,” and never deprive yourself of local delicacies.
Why? What is travel for, if not to experience memorable local foods and treats, after all!
You should also plan on being very creative in your workouts. For example, take some time to learn the best ways to use resistance bands for your fitness goals, and pack them to bring along. If you are a runner, but there is no good spot to run, switch out the exercise for something that is possible. Can you bicycle a long way around the area? Maybe you can learn water skiing and use new muscles or discover how to kayak? Perhaps you can hop in the pool and jog in place to enjoy the resistance the water creates.
There are many ways to burn calories, use muscles, and keep in shape. The basic plan is to avoid overeating and sitting around too much.
And before you pack away those resistance bands and get ready to go on your adventure, we also recommend that you plan on doing your routine at home at least once. Why? If you are going to try something entirely new and unfamiliar, you run the risk of injury, frustration and tossing the whole routine aside. Don’t set yourself up for this sort of trouble. Don’t allow yourself an excuse to skip the workout.
Be Prepared
So, you chose a location with onsite fitness facilities or plenty of privacy and space to do your usual routine. You packed your resistance bands and made plans for the kinds of exercises you will do. You have reminded yourself that you can and should cut things down a bit and enjoy yourself.
Did you also bring all of your workout gear? One of the worst feelings is to leave home and realize your favorite workout clothes are not in the suitcase. Bring two sets of comfortable workout gear, including the footwear, and don’t forget those other essentials. That might mean your MP3 player or phone, earbuds, headbands, and all the rest.
You can stay totally fit while on vacation, but just try to remember that it is not all about the routine. Try to shake things up a bit and plan ahead for success, and you’ll return home in top shape and with lots of memories of fun in the sun.