Incorporating Movement into Your Vacation
I'm fresh off a two-week camping trip and wanted to share how my family and I stayed active. If you're looking for ways to add more movement to your own vacation, here are a few ideas that worked for us, along with some extra suggestions.
Vacation: the magical word that conjures images of relaxation, exploration, and indulging in all the things our daily routines often restrict. But while rest and delicious food are undoubtedly key ingredients for a successful getaway, completely abandoning movement can leave you feeling sluggish, stiff, and even guilty by the time you unpack back home.
The good news is, incorporating movement into your vacation doesn't require hitting the hotel gym for an hour every day (unless you want to!). It's about finding enjoyable ways to stay active amidst the new sights and experiences. With a little planning and the right tools, you can seamlessly weave movement into your itinerary and return feeling refreshed and energized.
Plan Ahead (Just a Little!)
Before you even zip up your suitcase, take a few moments to consider your destination and potential movement opportunities.
Research your surroundings: Are there walking trails, beaches perfect for a stroll, or bike rental options nearby? Knowing what's available allows you to mentally prepare and pack accordingly.
Incorporate active excursions: Instead of always opting for the most passive activity, consider a hike to a scenic viewpoint, kayaking on a lake, or even a walking tour of a historical district. These experiences allow you to explore while getting your body moving.
Think in small bursts: You don't need dedicated workout slots. Think about short periods of activity you can sprinkle throughout your day. A 15-minute walk before breakfast, a playful game in the park, or some CARs (controlled articular rotations) before bed can all add up.
Pack Smart, Move Often
One of the biggest hurdles to staying active on vacation is the lack of your usual equipment and routine. This is where clever packing comes in handy. Lightweight, portable items can be your secret weapon for sneaking in movement wherever you are:
Resistance Bands: These versatile bands take up minimal space and can be used for a surprising variety of exercises, targeting all major muscle groups. Perfect for a quick hotel room or campground workout.
Hacky Sack or Frisbee: A fun and casual way to improve coordination and get your heart rate up. Great for passing time on the beach, park or campground.
Jump Rope: This classic cardio tool is lightweight and provides an excellent full-body workout in a short amount of time.
Swim Suit: Don't forget your swimwear! Look for opportunities to swim, whether it's finding local hot springs, enjoying the hotel pool, or taking advantage of the ocean. Swimming is a fantastic full-body workout. We also discovered that doing our CARs in the pool ads a nice little bit of resistance!
Embrace the Unexpected Opportunities
Sometimes the best movement opportunities arise spontaneously. Be open to:
Taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Exploring a new city on foot rather than relying solely on public transport.
Playing frisbee or catch on the beach.
Dancing to live music at a local event.
The key is to shift your mindset from "exercise" to simply "moving your body" in enjoyable ways.
How we stayed active on our vacation: Archery, Walking, Biking, Swimming, Collecting flowers between my toes :-), Hiking, Running away from the wildlife ;-)
We also attempted to play hacky sack (we are not very good at it), did a full body CARs routine every day, and did some balance practice on the Sole Mate.
Listen to Your Body (It's Still Vacation!)
While incorporating movement is beneficial, remember that it's still your vacation. Don't push yourself too hard, especially if you're adjusting to a new climate or time zone. Prioritize enjoyment and flexibility. If you skip a planned activity, don't beat yourself up about it. Simply find another opportunity to move later in the day or the next.
By planning a little, packing smart, and staying open to opportunities, you can effortlessly weave movement into your vacation and return home feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to tackle your everyday routine with renewed vigor. So go ahead, pack that resistance band, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to shake up your vacation!
