Exercise on Vacation

Anyway, whenever I’m on vacation I try to think of ways to work out. If you’re vacationing at a hotel, you probably have access to a gym, but tiny hotel gyms get boring pretty fast so you need to get creative. If you’re going on vacation this summer, here are a couple ideas for some easy workouts!

Headed to the Beach

My family heads to the Del Coronado in San Diego almost every summer! It’s so beautiful and relaxing. I, of course, haven’t been there in years now that I’m an “adult” and have to pay for myself :). Turns out, I’m cheap.

 But if you’re headed to a beach this summer, there are a lot of workout options other than an inside gym. Usually, the weather is almost perfect so working out outside is always an option! Here’s a couple of beach ideas:

• Running in the Sand– I don’t know if you’ve ever attempted running on the beach but it is hard.  The sand makes it much more difficult, so don’t underestimate this option. I used to go every now and then with my dad and 3 miles was tough! It’s definitely a nice way to break up your normal running routine though.
• Rent Bikes–  Just writing this makes me wish I was at the beach. Most beach towns have bike rental shops and bigger hotels usually rent them too. Biking in perfect weather is always an enjoyable workout. You almost forget you’re getting exercise because it’s so peaceful and fun.
• Go Swimming– Obviously, if you’re at a beach you have a body of water at your disposal, so go swimming! I’m not a huge fan of swimming in the ocean because I get too cold. So, ironically, I usually hit the pool after the beach.
• Boogie Boarding or Surfing- Speaking of oceans, bringing or renting surf boards/boogie boards is another great and fun exercise option. I remember the first time I went surfing in southern California. My arms were on fire before I even attempted to actually get up on the board. It’s a great workout, but definitely difficult.

The beach just makes you want to be outside so it’s a perfect environment for staying active. Granted there’s lots of laying around in the sun, but there’s plenty of time in a day for both! Maybe it’s the lack of clothes people wear on the beach, but there’s something about beach vacations that make me want to workout and eat healthy, fresh foods.

City Vacations

Summer is definitely the best time to visit some major cities in the U.S. like Chicago or New York. As much fun as winter is…it’s not. So if you’re headed to a big city this summer, there are tons of options there as well.

• Take a Class– Since you’re in a big city, there are plenty of exercise studios that offer drop in rates or even allow you to take your first class for free. For example, a lot of yoga studios offer discount rates if you’re a first timer. Cities also offer different types of classes. For example, this might be your chance to check out a Bar Method class or Flirty Girl Fitness. Since there’s a variety of people, there tend to be varieties of workouts!
• Workouts in the Park– Since there are only a few months of nice weather, some of these bigger cities even offer free workouts in their parks. Chicago, for example, offers dance classes, pilates, and tai chi in Millenium Park every Saturday for free during the summers. So, if you’re in a big city, check out your free options because they’re probably there somewhere!
• Run/Bike– Of course, you can always run in a city. It’s a great way to check out the different neighborhoods, just make sure you know where you’re going (be safe!). You can also rent bikes or even roller blades!
• Races– You can always incorporate a race in your vacation (although it wouldn’t be much of a vacation :). But since it’s summer time, there are a number of shorter races or even relay type races. There’s a lot of fun options out there which is a nice break from the more “serious” races.

Even though cities are packed with people and may have unpredictable weather, there are plenty of exercise options. If all else fails, just walking around exploring is a great way to stay active!

Headed Home

If you’re like me and just going home for a vacation, your options might be even more limited. Especially if (like me), you’re going somewhere really hot. The heat limits your time outdoors so going for a run whenever you feel like it is not really an option. You either have to get up super early (which never happens) or go right before it gets dark. In Arizona, even if you went at  5 in the morning, it’s still in the 90’s, it just doesn’t cool down. But again, the sun is shining so I can’t complain. Here are some of the options I’ve thought of for hot weather workouts:

• Swimming- It’s hot, so if you have a pool around, use it! Everyone in Arizona has a pool, it’s just a normal thing. But if you don’t have access to a pool at your house, there are usually public pools around.
• Hiking- I love going hiking when I come home. Obviously, right now is a terrible time to attempt a hike. Almost every summer people get rescued off a mountain because they tried to hike, but got too hot. The only time I would attempt it here is if it was much later in the day. But if you’re somewhere where it’s warm, but not unbearable, go for a hike!
• High Intensity Circuits (in the house)- This sounds really lame but it’s an easy, intense way to get a workout in. It’s also quick so you can move on with your day! Finding a tabata workout online or doing a short body weight strength circuit is just as difficult as anything else. This is what I plan on doing quite a bit while I’m home. My parents have a gym membership but they charge way too much for a guest! For some workout ideas, check out youtube (tabata), CrossFit, or my workout generator has some options that you don’t necessarily need weights for.
• Run at a Local School– If the weather’s in my favor at all while I’m here, I’d love to go over to my old high school and use their track and stairs. I think running up and down stairs is really intense and it’s also easily accessible since school’s out.

Although I haven’t worked out once since I’ve been here, I swear I plan on it! 🙂 It’s easy to get in vacation mode (at least for me), and indulge in too much food and wine, and not enough exercise. I try not to worry about the food and drink part (within reason) and at least keep up with my exercise. After all, you are on vacation! Worrying about your diet is no fun. So, if you can mantain your weight by exercising, then go ahead and live a little.

Do you exercise when on vacation? Any good recommendations?