Two very exciting things are occurring within a week of each other: my long awaited vacation and my equally as long awaited 10k race. I’ve been training for this run since February, and I’ll be a monkey’s uncle before I let my hard work go out the window during a week of revelry, eating out and sleeping in on vacation. Here are a few ways you can keep up with your training without sacrificing your precious days away from home:
Jog Around the City
Jogging is an excellent way to soak in the scenery of your destination while still getting your fitness on. Ask the front desk at your hotel for a map and they’ll gladly help you with directions. This guide to running routes around the world is a good start if you are traveling to a popular city around the world. When in doubt, head for parks, public gardens and pedestrianized plazas, where you won’t have to stress about navigating funky foreign traffic patterns.
Beach Workouts
If you are traveling to the beach, you’ll find yourself in fitness heaven! Running on the beach is an excellent (albeit extra strenuous) workout that never goes out of style. Aim to run in the early morning or late evening when there are fewer people (obstacles). Also, many beaches offer nearby playgrounds that can double as gym equipment. Get in your tricep dips, chin ups and maybe even a couple passes on the monkey bars to get toned.
Hotel Swimming Pool
If your hotel has a pool, you’re in luck! Swimming is a fun and social way to burn calories. Take some laps early, before the crowds dive in, or just make a point of treading water in the deep end while everybody else is doggy paddling up to the bar. Before you know it, you’ll have completed a workout and honed your tan!
Hotel Gym
If worse comes to worst, hit the treadmill or elliptical in the hotel gym. Some fitness centers boast gorgeous views, fancy spa perks and instructors as well, so it may actually be fun (and a great opportunity to catch up on the Say Yes to the Dress marathon that always seems to be on at the gym). Ultimately, don’t be too hard on yourself—a vacation is meant for unwinding and relaxing, so if you only tie up those trainers once or twice, it’s not the end of the world!
Noella Schink is a travel and wellness writer from Portland, Maine who can’t wait for her road trip in a car rental in Italy, and also anticipates manning up into high gear and running her 10k in under an hour this summer.
Related Articles:
Using Your Beach Vacation Surroundings for a Great Workout
5 Easy Workouts for Your Summer Vacations to Maintain Your Fitness
