By Gabe Sanders PhD, NSCA-CSCS
It’s that time of year when you need a break from reality. You are either getting ready for summer vacation or you are on vacation. Summer vacation is a great way to relieve stress and to mentally take a break from the daily grind.
While vacation can be relaxing, it can be hard on your body when you truly “take a break” for one to two weeks. What I mean is that often times, people go on vacation and lay by the pool or beach for hours on end and rarely move around. The lack of physical activity throughout your vacation could be detrimental to your physical health if you don’t exercise or stay active.
The following are some ways to stay active throughout your vacation without spending your whole vacation working out!
Exercise in the morning-
Exercising in the morning will allow you to get your workout out of the way and leave you with the rest of the day to vacation or do whatever you please. The longer you prolong your exercise, the more likely it becomes that you will not exercise.
Ride a bike –
Most vacation resorts allow you to rent bikes for the week or day. Riding a bike instead of driving from place to place can be an enjoyable way to increase your physical activity while doing some sightseeing.
Body weight exercises only –
If you exercise and engage in resistance training regularly, your body could use a rest. Take a break from heavy resistance training but still stimulate your muscles with your own body weight.
Sample exercise regimen
- Do a set of push-ups, body squats, abdominal crunches, and body weight lunges
- Rest for 3 minutes
- Repeat this cycle two more times.
Walk after dinner –
Taking a walk after dinner is a great way to “get your food moving.” This light and easy walk is great for your metabolism and a great way to socialize with those you are vacationing with.
Swim in the pool –
If you are going to lay or be by the pool, go ahead and get in the pool and swim or move around. Whether you are watching your kids or grandkids play in the pool or with your significant other, jump in from time to time to get your heart rate up and burn some calories. The best part about the pool is that it is a great way to burn calories. Jumping in will cool you off!
*For more examples of other variations/exercises look under Multimedia-VDF Exercise Tips
**Consult with a physician and/or medical healthcare provider before starting any exercise regimen
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