Should I Vacation From Exercise?

"Whether you think you can or you think you can't-you are right."

-Henry Ford

WEBSITE: http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/resistance-band-exercises.html If you chose to pack that band, check out some great resistance ideas to throw into your workout!

I spent this past weekend helping a precious friend as she prepared to walk down the aisle. It was such a sweet wedding and I was so blessed to be part of it! As her bridesmaid, it was a very busy weekend in which very little working out occured. Is time off going to kill the fitness level? Is it possible to work out on vacation?


As far as fitness level goes, a little break never hurt anyone. If you see vacation as a time to relax and not have to make yourself sweat, then enjoy it! One week really will not make a huge difference on you but any more than that will cause a decline in fitness and will make it harder to get back into a workout routine upon arrival back home. You do lose aerobic fitness faster than muscular strength and, unfortunately, the more fit you are, the faster you lose it. You can completely lose all of your gains after about 2 months (but I don't know of many people taking off for 2 month long vacations!) Yes, use it or lose it, but there is some breathing room. You may chose to hit the pool and lay out instead of lifting your heart rate, enjoy your vacation how you like!



Working out does not mean you have to escape family and friends to hit the weight room. Get creative and enjoy your vacation too!

-Take a walking tour instead of a bus tour

-Go for a run/walk on the beach

-Rent bikes and go sight seeing

-Get a game of sand volleyball organized

-If stuck in an airport, get up and walk the length of the airport (I like to people watch while doing this!)

-Pack things in your suitcase that are small such as resistance bands and jump ropes

-Take the stairs in your hotel

-Check out the fitness room in your hotel

-Ask the hotel about nearby parks...it's a great way to explore the area and continue to be active

-Shopping (YES) can be aerobic, just keep up your walking pace

-Check for hiking opportunities

-Tennis or golf games

-Check out the ammenities at the hotel-the place we stayed after the wedding actually had a spinning class for guests (not that I actually went but it was good to see it offered!)

-Rent canoes or kayaks for a great excursion



Remember, you are on vacation! Make it fun and enjoy your time away! There is no reason to beat yourself up for missing a day, and you should not take away time from planned activities to sweat it out in the gym. A vacation does not have to mean a break from being physical, just enjoy all your options and make the most of your time off!!



Megan