"So you worked hard to build up a consistent workout schedule and moving your body feels like a habit, rather than a chore. But then a vacation or holiday weekend comes along and you not only feel sluggish and low energy, but it’s a struggle to get back into your workout habit when life goes back to normal. Sound familiar? If you’ve come back from a trip feeling worse than when you left, you’re not alone. Luckily, there’s a simple solution to the vacation conundrum: Don’t break the habit of a workout routine, even during an all-inclusive getaway or long summer weekend.
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Now, we would never recommend foregoing late-night margaritas in favor of an early morning workout or spending an hour of precious vacation time to get in your regular sweat sesh. The #1 purpose of a vacation is to relax and (most importantly) enjoy your life. Vacation workouts don’t need to be long, intense, or even consistent with your regular training plan, but they can help to keep your mood boosted, your body feeling its best, and maintain the healthy habits you’ve worked so hard to build. Also, by following the simple tips below on how to work out on vacation, you’ll make it much easier to get back to your workout routine when you return home.
1. Wake up (a little) earlier
This might seem obvious, but waking up early to move your body while on vacation is a great way to make sure you get your body moving without missing out on any of the day’s fun. Additionally, waking up at an earlier time (instead of sleeping until noon just because you don’t have an alarm clock to answer to) makes it a lot easier for your body to get back into your normal routine once you get home. Whether you decide to hit the hotel gym or go for a walk around the resort, giving yourself time for some movement before you start your day will help you keep a healthy sleep schedule and put you in a better frame of mind. You can try waking up a whole hour earlier if you felt so motivated, or you can get up 10 minutes before you need to be up for breakfast plans to take a quick walk or get in some movement in your hotel room.
2. Go sightseeing
Whether you’re in a new city, on a beautiful remote island, at a resort, or visiting family back home, take the opportunity to see new things by going for a Hot Girl Walk. Movement is a great way to explore a new place, especially if you tend to prioritize relaxation on your trips and forgo excursions in favor of a beach chair and a good read. Prioritize your safety by going in a group, sharing your location, only traveling in daylight, staying in safe areas, and, if need be, staying on the resort. Whether you choose to hike, run, walk, bike, roller skate, or swim, explore what your destination has to offer.
3. Do a 5-minute circuit
Time is of the essence while on vacation, so instead of getting overwhelmed by the idea of a long and grueling workout, simply dedicate five minutes to raising your heart rate. Looking for a quick hotel room-friendly circuit? Try alternating between burpees and sit-ups to work the whole body, do a few rounds of your favorite moves that don’t require equipment (planks, jumping jacks, push-ups, squats, etc.), or put on music and dance around your hotel room. Just five minutes will leave you feeling good, help you prioritize your body, and boost your endorphins so you can focus on enjoying the rest of your day.
4. Find a local class
Sure you can easily fit in fitness without disturbing the rest of your vacation plans, but if you are a fitness junkie and crave a guided workout or more dedicated time to move your body, branch out from your regular studio back home and find a local fitness class. Whether it’s a beachside yoga class offered at your resort or a cycling sesh at a boutique studio in town, try a workout you haven’t done before or don’t have at home. By making the class an opportunity to explore what your vacation spot has to offer instead of a task on your to-do list, you’ll be much more likely to enjoy it. Bonus points for hitting up the must-try brunch spot post-class!
5. Go easy on yourself
Most importantly, remember that your vacation is exactly that: yours. If you don’t feel like moving, you don’t have to. The best way to honor your body is to listen to it, so if you’re feeling like you need a dose of relaxation more than sweat and movement, chill out (totally guilt-free!). Remember that “fitness” is not just how much you move, but how much you rest and recover–only you know what your body really needs. The point of vacation is to come back feeling recharged and rejuvenated, so if rest and recovery is how you achieve that, by all means. Real life—and the gym—will be waiting for you when you get back.