We just started planning our summer vacation and it got me thinking about how we plan our trips and what we prioritize. Whenever we go away, we always make sure we’re active and intersperse our days with relaxing activities and more active adventures. This past Christmas, my husband and I went to Old Quebec City and Montreal for a week. We were really looking forward to taking part in all the holiday activities including visiting the Christmas markets, sampling the local foods, eating at delicious restaurants and relaxing in coffee shops. While we go on vacation to take a break, we both value maintaining our exercise routines and usually plan them into our days. During some vacations we end up being more active than usual because we walk further during the day and have more time to run and visit the gym.
It can be hard to maintain your exercise and movement routines during vacations, and there have been times when I’ve not managed to prioritize it, but with a little planning, it is possible. Firstly, enjoy all that your vacation has to offer – eat the cake, enjoy the wine, have a steaming hot chocolate on a cold day or a cocktail by the pool! Vacations are moments to unwind and recharge, so prioritize mental and physical rest as needed. If your intention is to skip workouts entirely, go ahead—listen to your body. However, for those, like me, who find joy in staying active, here are some tips to keep moving while you’re away from home:
Plan your days and schedule exercise: I find it much easier to work out in the mornings, than in the evenings, as after a day of exploring I’m usually quite tired. Opt for morning workouts when energy levels are high, especially if your days are filled with exploration and adventure.
Incorporate Movement into Activities: Design your daily itinerary to include activities that involve movement, such as city walking tours or hikes. While we were in Canada, we went on two city walking tours, climbed up multiple steep hills and flights of stairs to catch beautiful views, and also went on a toboggan ride on a slide that was built in 1878!
Choose Accommodations with Fitness Facilities: You really don’t need a fancy gym to get a workout in. Basic facilities, like cardio machines and free weights, are sufficient for a good workout. We were really fortunate in Canada as the hotels we staying in were central to the cities we visited and also had workout facilities. We enjoyed making the most of them, especially since we usually work out at home and the hotel gyms had equipment that we usually don’t get to experience.
Pre-select Workouts: Decide on a workout routine in advance to make the most of your time in the gym. Whether it’s a full-body strength workout or cardio session, having a plan helps streamline your session and reduces the likelihood of procrastination. I have a 15 mins full body strength super-set that I like to do twice over. When we were in Montreal the treadmills in the gym weren’t working so I quickly pivoted to doing some cardio on the elliptical, followed by my pre-planned strength workout. Having that plan prevented me from losing motivation and enabled me to stay positive and focused.
Include Restorative Activities: Allocate time for relaxing and restorative activities. Consider booking a spa session, like we did in Old Quebec, to unwind in pools, steam rooms, and saunas.
Run Outside When Possible: Explore the area by running outdoors. It not only provides fresh air and sunlight but also lets you familiarize yourself with the surroundings. Apps like Strava or hotel front desk recommendations can guide you to popular routes. If you’re staying in a Westin Hotel, they provide running routes and sometimes even group runs for their guests.
Plan Hikes or Outdoor Activities: If trails are nearby, plan a hike or outdoor activity to incorporate nature into your fitness routine.
Attend Local Workout Classes: Check if your vacation spot has local workout classes or if your gym has a branch nearby. Consider trying classes like Soul Cycle or Orange Theory.
I like to think of finding the time to work out when on vacation as part of my self care. I enjoy factoring it into my day; it helps me feel accomplished and strong, and I feel energised and enthusiastic to get outside and explore. At the same time I make sure that my workouts don’t dictate my days. First and foremost, I’m on my vacation to relax and experience new things – there needs to be a balance between working out and sight seeing. It also helps that I enjoy taking photos for Instagram and writing this blog, so I’m motivated to share my experiences and encourage others to be active too.
How do you integrate workouts into your holiday adventures? Please share your tips and experiences below.
trainingwithvicky.com 
Leave a comment