Vacations are all about relaxing, exploring, and trying new things — but the best part about any vacation is the freedom. Your schedule. Your decisions. Feel like sleeping in? Done. Feel like reading your book? Done? Feel like getting some exercise? Done.
You don’t need to commit to any type of intense exercise on vacation but a bit of movement can keep you feeling good. Travel can disrupt your routine and your digestion. Incorporating a bit of gentle and fun workout can improve your disposition on the trip without being beholden to any kind of strict regimen.
Why exercise on vacation?
- Travel can throw off your digestion if you’re trying out different foods or if your meal times are a bit out of your ordinary routine. Gentle movement like taking a walk can help settle things out.
- If the sight seeing adrenaline wears off, you might find yourself a bit sluggish. Some light exercise can provide a natural boost of energy and might feel better than turning to caffeine.
- Even though vacations are supposed to be relaxing, there are certainly still elements that can be stressful and cause some anxiety. Research shows that exercise on vacation helps to relieve stress and boosts endorphins so you can stay in a light upbeat mood while travelling.
- Want to explore? Walk, bike, skate, or take advantage of other human-powered forms of movement to enjoy sight-seeing in an active way.
Easy ways to work out on vacation
- Take a walking tour — either self-guided or with a group. It’s a great way to mindfully take in the sights.
- In addition to walking, you can also rent a bike or a scooter to move around town. Either from destination to destination or just to take in a scenic route along a waterfront or through the city centre, it’s a fun alternative to cars or public transit. Bonus: it offers more opportunity for serendipity and discovering hidden gems.
- Take a hike. Find local parks or hiking trails in close proximity to your accommodations. It’s a great way to connect with nature and discover the natural landscapes, flora, and fauna of your destination as you exercise on vacation.
- If you’re staying at a hotel, there’s a good chance there’s a pool or a gym with some fitness equipment that you might like to take advantage of.
- No equipment is ever really necessary for some light exercise though. Instead you can stay in your room and do some stretching or yoga, which might feel just as refreshing.
- Vacations are also a fantastic time to take on a fun activity like laser tag, mini golf or head to an amusement park with your travel buddies.
- If you love group classes like spinning or Zumba, you might be able to find local classes on your trip to keep up your routine or try something new and fun.
