As one of my clients returns from vacation and another one leaves, it brings me to the topic of keeping exercise continuous while on vacation. Another blog entry dated November 2nd, Avoiding Derailment While on Vacation, was more focused on food. Now I want to focus on the exercise, because to make change for a healthier you, you cannot have one without the other.
When you go on vacation, that is your time to get away from work, stress and maybe even family. However, when you are on a fitness journey, one should not get away from fitness completely. I always discuss options with my clients to continue with something. Their workouts will probably not be the same intensity experienced with me, but a plan to execute some type of cardiovascular exercise and strength exercise is strongly suggested.
One of my clients started less than one month ago and when we initially met, she knew she was going on vacation. As she contemplated whether to start before or after she came back, I suggested she start as soon as possible because that extra three weeks would give her reason to continue on her journey that got her to the current stage of health she was not happy with. The initial weeks with me brought her a new mindset with her food choices and exercise. This mindset was carried during her vacation because she walked a lot and was conscious of her choices even if some were not the greatest. As a result, she has lost over 4 pounds.
My other client has been with me a little longer, so I've had time to teach her various exercises that she can execute on her own with no equipment. When she travels now, she always makes sure she stays in a place that has a fitness facility so that she can get on a bike, elliptical or treadmill. If there is strength equipment, she has that option, as well.
Sometimes there is not an option of a fitness facility, so you have to be creative in your independence. Here are some suggestions to keep the journey going: Walking is the easiest form of exercise, however, increasing the intensity is important to burn calories. Find a nice path, strap on you MP3 player and insure you pump your arms to help increase your heart rate. Add in some walking lunges and squats at the end of a walk to incorporate lower body strength. You can find a set of stairs to walk up and down at a fast pace to increase your heart rate, as well. In your hotel room, you can execute some pushups and chair dips for your upper body strength. Pushups seem to make people cringe, but everyone; yes everyone can do a pushup. If you are one of the skeptics, I ask, have you ever tried a pushup on a wall?
In another entry titled, Why Bodyweight Exercises? dated November 3oth, I discuss the importance of using your own body to exercise. It is important to practice proper form to be effective and eliminate potential injury. Consult with a fitness professional for assistance.
Vacation is your time to be free but not free of staying on course for a healthy and fit you. Be well!
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