When you think about your vacation getaway, I’m sure images of letting loose, enjoying great food, sipping tropical drinks, and exploring new places are among the first things that come to mind.
…And I bet finding ways to workout on your vacation is NOT!
But that doesn’t mean you should completely abandon your health. After all, taking care of yourself with the food you eat and moving your body will always make you feel great, even on vacation.
Five enjoyable ways to workout on vacation.
There are so many reasons to workout on vacation. Obviously, staying active is great for your health, but doing so on vacation has introduced me to such unique ways of exploring and enjoying new destinations I would never have thought. Now incorporating these active experiences have become a core part of my trip planning.
So, if you want to be more active and incorporate working out during your trip, here are five enjoyable ways to workout on vacation.
1. Go for a walk or hike to see the sites and explore the landscape.
Walking is an effective way to be active and enjoy your travels at just about any destination. Walking everywhere will give you an excellent feel for the city, and you might discover a cute shop or destination around the corner you would have missed in a car. And, of course, you’re bound to encounter beautiful views and nature, especially if your location offers hiking trails.
Personally, I prefer the mornings to go outside for a walk before the crowds in a location like Las Vegas. The sun is up, and the temperatures are generally cooler and enjoyable in those warmer vacation destinations. Bonus, walking mindfully in the mornings is a great way to exercise and set an intention for your day and the tone of your vacation.
If you’re a planner and need help determining where to go, walking tours are also a great way to get your steps while learning about the local culture and sights. Many are free and entertaining. A ghost tour through the haunted streets of the French Quarter in New Orleans or a crime tour in Beacon Hill of Boston will have you so engaged you won’t even realize how much you’ve walked!
2. Take advantage of hotel gym facilities.
Some hotel gyms are pretty awesome compared to the monotony of the one you’re used to at home. They may offer a bigger, more inspiring space or different equipment than you typically use. Plus, seeing others working out on their vacation will motivate you to be there too!
If you find trying out a new gym intimidating or are not usually on your own for a workout, check Google or YouTube and write down which exercises you’ll do when you arrive, or follow along with a virtual training app like TIU or EvolveYou.
Not convinced? Okay, some hotels offer very little wow factor when it comes to a gym. In those instances, take that as your sign to get outside! But hear me out; it’s worth it to check it out just to see.
For example, cruise ship gyms are unlike any other workout. They’re usually quite large and place cardio equipment (treadmills and ellipticals) along a wide span of windows looking out onto the vast ocean for an incredible view, so cool!
I’ve also worked out on the top-floor gym in a Myrtle Beach hotel overlooking the beach. It was such a gem for the view, and absolutely no one used the facility. So I blasted my music and got a quick workout in before the beach each day, and it was such a great feeling!
For an experience, Las Vegas hotels offer gyms you’ll for sure want to check out. They’re massive, and you’ll feel like you’re working out in luxury. With bottles of water, cooling towels, and the latest gym equipment on the market (like the Peloton bike!), there is so much you can do, and you’ll feel your best on your night out on the strip.
At the very least, you’ll want to check out the gym wherever you are because they usually offer free, cold water. This is my secret tip for staying hydrated. I don’t know why finding water on vacations is so difficult!
3. Try a yoga or fitness class offered at a local studio or beach.
Many vacation destinations offer yoga or fitness classes at a local studio or on the beach. This is a great way to try something new and meet like-minded people while staying active and healthy.
One of the most challenging workouts I was not expecting to be was 45 minutes of yoga on the beach. Sand is tough to balance on, especially when you’re sweating! However, there is nothing like breathing in the ocean air and getting zen as you connect to your inner self.
On a budget? Most hotels offer classes for free. Ask the studio for new student specials or a day pass when traveling to a city.
4. Participate in a sport popular at your vacation destination.
Based on where you travel, there is always a fun sport you can play that fits your interests and abilities. Take a swim in the hotel pool or join in on pool or beach volleyball. If courts are provided, play a competitive game of tennis, basketball, or shuffleboard.
Some destinations, such as Myrtle Beach, are known for their golf courses. Airlines like Delta even accept golf clubs as a regular checked bag despite being oversized. The TPC dessert course in Las Vegas was a dry and rocky landscape compared to the hilly greens of the courses I regularly play on here in the Midwest!
Consider cycling and renting a bike to explore even more. I’ve visited southern California several times, and one of my favorite activities there is renting a bike to ride along the coast from Santa Monica to Venice Beach.
Sports are always a great option and something you can check out ahead of time if your destination offers daily activities for guests on-premise or discounts for playing at public courses.
5. Sign up for an adventure excursion.
Excursions are an incredible way to put yourself directly into the unique nature of the place you’re visiting while also increasing your heart rate. You’ll be so distracted by the beauty surrounding you; you won’t even realize you’re exercising.
Research what’s available ahead of time to get an idea of the activity level required for the excursion and book early for extra discounts.
One of my most memorable experiences was during a trip to Mexico, where we explored the Cenotes (natural sinkholes) on an ‘Adrenaline Tour.’ It sounds much more extreme than it was! The experience included ziplining, kayaking, light repelling, and snorkeling at four cenotes.
On another trip to Cozumel, we opted for a Catamaran Beach Party. Off the beach were anchored inflatables in the ocean water like an obstacle course with slides, trampolines, and odd shapes that test your balance. Let me tell you, just getting onto these things was a killer workout. I was exhausted, but I had a blast. And you don’t have to skip the margaritas included on those excursions either!
My favorite is kayaking or paddle boarding if you prefer a more low-key activity. In a once in a lifetime experience, we booked a sunrise kayak tour through the salt marsh in Cherry Grove Myrtle Beach. We saw a giant rainbow stretching from the land to the ocean as the sun rose. It was a surreal moment we would have never captured had we slept in that morning!
Plan for time to relax.
If you don’t workout on vacation, don’t beat yourself up over it. It’s MORE than okay to rest. A day of rest may be just what you need to help re-energize and recommit to your health so that you can crush your workouts when you return home. Remember that recovery is essential to training, so feel free to hit up the spa for a massage instead!
Making a small shift in perspective from feeling like you should workout to finding enjoyable ways to workout on vacation will create positive, good-for-you experiences no matter where you go. So, find a workout you enjoy that fits your itinerary, and get moving!
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