Summer is coming and we all know what that means: traveling with friends and family.
Weekend vacations mean our consistent schedules are thrown out the window. We know the importance of vacationing and taking time away from our busy work and school schedules to relax and regenerate, but that does not have to prevent us from exercising. If anything, it should encourage us to utilize that time off to refuel our bodies through movement and proper nutrition. How often do you come home exhausted and run-down from a trip? It’s no wonder when we eat poorly and don’t exercise.
I’m here to help shed some light and give you some alternatives if you’re feeling a little stuck. Here are some simple and easy steps to get some exercise in while traveling:
- Don’t overcomplicate it. If you don’t have access gym equipment, stick with simple bodyweight movements such as squats, push-ups, lunges and crunches, to name a few. Add them together for a great circuit:
- 10 squats
- 10 push-ups
- 10 crunches
- 10 lunges
- Repeat five to 10 times for a great strength and endurance workout!
- Utilize what is around you by walking, running and hiking trails. This is a great way to get in some cardio outside while making it fun and enjoyable. My number one app is called All Trails. All Trails is great for figuring out the length and intensity you desire. Simply type in the city and state you are staying in and up pops the trails in your area, along with reviews and pictures.
- Get creative. Try to think outside the box when it comes to working out. Movement and exercise does not have to be so intentional. Sometimes all we need is good old-fashioned movement. Some of the activities below are great ways to exercise without feeling like you’re actually exercising:
- Tennis or pickleball requires the use of your core, balance and speed reflexes, which is great for all age groups. This is also a fantastic way to get some cardio into your day.
- Rock climbing is not necessarily something you would think of as difficult but once you are through, you will feel muscles in your hands, forearms and core that you have never felt before. Trust me.
- Paddleboarding is a very peaceful and slow, yet fun and challenging activity that will force you to use your core, upper and lower-body strength.
- Biking is another great activity for all age groups that is as hard or easy as you want it to be and can be done almost anywhere.
We may not all like the same things and that’s OK. One thing is for sure, though: we all need movement, so I encourage you to try figure out what you like while traveling and vacationing. Whatever you do, make it fun and get moving.
You’ve got this!
Hannah Franklin is the Wellness Director at the Plant City Family YMCA.