When are you taking yours?

As you get ready to embark on a sunny trip south this may be an excellent time to start a new fitness habit, kick it up a notch or settle into your present routine and enjoy the process instead of the usual ‘can’t wait till its over’. You can no longer use the excuse I have no time. Relax, enjoy and plan for some holiday fitness. You’ll have more energy on your trip away and come back home refreshed, energized and free of unwanted pounds often gained in the lap of luxury.

Hotel Fitness
More and more hotels and resorts are prepared for the fitness traveler. Many house their own gyms or associate with local fitness centres in order to attract patrons. When you are planning your trip, select a hotel that will provide you with the opportunity to keep fit. Many hotels often charge for the use of their gym and some can be as high as $20 per visit. Get the hotel to include gym passes or plan the expense. Business travelers, remember you can expense it. Your company should be thrilled you care enough to stay fit on the road.

Fitness Vacation
Another sure-fire way to stay fit on your holiday is to select a fitness vacation. Cycle, kayak, hike or golf (without the cart) to see the sites. There are many companies who now offer adventure vacations that include extreme activities including mountain climbing, off road biking horseback riding, orienteering or a combination of them all. If this all sounds like far too much work for a holiday then select resorts that inclusively offer windsurfing, fitness classes, dance lessons, volleyball and other activities conveniently offered all day long. The likeliness of you penciling yourself in for a workout are far better when there are numerous options to choose from and they involve socializing and fun.

Kid Fit
Take your children’s lead on vacation. Keep up with them for a few hours each day. Have fun, get wet and dirty, and make some great memories and big points with your youngsters while burning lots of calories. Replace the phrase ‘maybe later’ with ‘let’s do it’ when the kids say come on Dad/Mom. Adopt the attitude of anything goes and your never too old. You might feel a little stiff from the child like play, but then you can treat yourself to a relaxing massage. You are after all on holiday!

Weight Management
Unless you are at a weight loss spa, now is not the time to hope to lose any weight. Even though you have the time to exercise and are burning more calories, chances are you are overeating. Try to avoid or limit your trips to buffet meals. Select a table as far away from the buffet as you can. When you over indulge you often feel lethargic making it near impossible to get involved in activities unfolding before you. Eat less more often to maintain blood sugar levels and stay as active as you can so you can splurge when you can’t resist the decadent temptations that await you.

If you have made fitness and activity a part of your lifestyle there is no reason to hang it up when on holidays. The only difference–on the return home it will just be a whole lot easier to fit it in! Bon Voyage!