- A vacation presents the perfect opportunity to try new workouts, according to an exercise physiologist.
- To commit to your workouts, it’s recommended to schedule them into your day.
- Additionally, you can use exercise as a means to explore your vacation location.
While going on vacation may disrupt your established exercise routine, it is important to allow yourself a break, according to exercise physiologist Tom Holland.
In fact, Holland suggests that pausing your regular fitness program can be a beneficial opportunity. Taking a break aids in recovery, prevents burnout, and allows you to explore new types of fitness that you may not usually engage in.
Here are Holland’s five tips for exercising while traveling:
Don’t worry excessively
Though challenging, Holland recommends not stressing about taking a break from your exercise routine and instead, enjoying your vacation. Rest is essential for the body to recover from exercise-induced stress and build strength during the recovery phase.
As personal trainer Luke Worthington has stated, strength and aerobic gains can be maintained for roughly four weeks without training.
A break also helps prevent overtraining, which can lead to injuries and exhaustion. The key is to exert yourself during workout sessions and prioritize recuperation outside the gym, ensuring greater enthusiasm when you resume your routine.
Embrace new opportunities on vacation
If you choose to exercise during your vacation, Holland suggests using it as an opportunity to diversify your usual fitness regimen. To continue seeing results, it’s important to vary the stress placed on the body, as it adapts quickly. For example, someone primarily focused on strength training should incorporate walks, runs, interval training, or jump rope for added cardiovascular exercise.
Alternatively, if you typically engage in a lot of running, Holland recommends trying bodyweight exercises or swimming for a different form of cardio.
Pack portable exercise equipment
While it may be challenging to include dumbbells in your carry-on, there are some lightweight exercise equipment options Holland recommends bringing on vacation. A jump rope is a great cardio workout that can be used in any outdoor space and offers benefits for heart and bone health.
Resistance bands are another lightweight option that can provide a strength workout. Incorporating different equipment than what you typically use adds variation to your routine.
Schedule dedicated exercise time
Holland suggests setting aside specific time slots during the day as a means to maintain your exercise routine. Early mornings or right before dinner are optimal times for fitting in a workout. Additionally, depending on your vacation activities, you may naturally engage in exercise through walking or swimming throughout the day.
Utilize exercise for exploration
Holland emphasizes that exercise can also serve as a way to explore new places when traveling. Going for a run or bike ride allows you to see different sights and discover areas you may have otherwise missed while walking. Researching local gyms is another unique way to experience the culture of a new town or city.
Ultimately, Holland advises incorporating exercise into your vacation if desired, but also not to hesitate in taking a well-deserved break.
“If you put in the work, you need that time off. It’s crucial to recharge yourself emotionally, physiologically, and psychologically,” he said.
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