By: Susan Finch
We’ve all done it. We get up and running with a fitness routine and are committed to live a healthy lifestyle only to have it suddenly derail the moment we go into vacation mode. Although there’s nothing wrong with some serious unwinding and relaxing on vacation, it’s not necessarily cause to completely abandon your fitness goals. You can stay fit on vacation, relax, and have fun at the same time. Here’s how to do it.
Strike a Pose
Combine the relaxation of a vacation with fitness by striking a pose right on the beach. Waterside yoga is a breathtaking way to enjoy the beach all while getting your body moving and quieting your mind.
Visitors looking for options can try Southwest Florida Beach Yoga in Venice for free, family-friendly beach yoga with nationally recognized instructors. To give back while striking a pose on the beach, join Donation Yoga Naples for a donation based class where half of all proceeds go to local nonprofits each month like the Freedom Waters Foundation.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Part of the adventure of travel is getting far outside your comfort zone and trying something new. Turn your next vacation into an opportunity to do something totally different like paragliding, kiteboarding, or joining a 5k race or beach fun run. The exhilaration of getting into the adventure mindset will likely be your most memorable part of your vacation.
In the Everglades area, a kayaking tour with Everglades Area Tours can help get in an afternoon of exercise while exploring the great outdoors. Meanwhile, Paradise Parasail in Fort Myersg gets you soaring above the water while strengthening your core muscles and burning up your energy.
Book a Fitness Day
It’s tempting to think about relaxing at the spa all day but won’t do much for your fitness level. Instead of booking a spa day on your next vacation, try booking a fitness day instead. Local gyms at your destination often offer one-day passes and classes, or you can hire a personal trainer for a few hours to work out with you right on the beach for a mini bootcamp.
Hit the Streets
Sightseeing is fun, free, and the perfect way to stay fit while seeing the sights. Skip the trolleys, Uber, and shuttles and head out on a walk hitting major attractions, or a downtown area. An app like Stepz can help keep count of your steps if you’re not ready to upgrade to a FitBit, plus its an easy way to keep track of your steps to hit your vacation fitness goals.
At the end of the day, a vacation should be about whatever you want to indulge in. Whether that’s relaxation followed by some beachside yoga or an active day out, you can design your vacation to reflect your ideal day. After all, there will be plenty of time for status quo once you get back home to reality.