by A. Y. Ford

Created on: June 24, 2009   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

An important point to remember when trying to keep a workout schedule while on vacation is that vacations are supposed to be a time to be off your normal routine in many aspects of your daily life. Yes, this includes working out. For some people though working out has too many benefits to skip completely for one, two, or even three weeks while on vacation. But keep in mind that you don't have to workout at the same intensity or frequency. The average person will not lose all muscle tone or cardio conditioning in this short amount of time.

Don't be too hard on yourself if you miss a day because the schedule of activities you have planned just doesn't fit in time to get a complete workout. Do some stretches or calisthenics exercises in your room: push ups, crunches, squats, whatever you can make room for. If you are staying in a hotel make a quick trip to the workout room if there is one and use whatever equipment they have that seems safe. It may not be anything like what you are used to at home or at the gym you visit back home, but at least you feel like you have done something. You can pack some small equipment to use in a hotel room depending on the types of workouts you do at home. If you take a laptop, take a workout DVD, even if this is a change from your regular routine. If you lift weights normally try using a resistance band to do some arm curls, squats, or other muscle building activities.

Find fun ways to workout. If you are traveling with your family combine workouts with the activities, you already have planned. Go swimming with your kids if you have access to a pool. If you are going to a water park, see how many times you can climb the stairs to ride your favorite ride. Some of those rides have numerous levels of stairs. If you are going to another type of theme park the walking around all day is at least some form of exercise. Try picking up the pace when walking between attractions. Steal moments throughout your day to work your heart and muscles.

A couple more suggestions to keep active while on vacation is to take the stairs in your hotel or resort and do a shorter workouts a couple times a day if you can't fit in a whole workout at one time. But remember you are on vacation and relaxing is important, so don't be stressed out about missing a workout here and there. If working out is one way you relax, by all means fit it into your schedule anyway you can.

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