With summer vacation just around the corner, it's time to start planning some fun summer travels!
Time away during this time of year allows for a much-needed, well-deserved hiatus to unwind, celebrate and rejuvenate. Sometimes, however, a more relaxed state of mind can also result in more relaxed diets and workout routines, making staying fit while traveling a challenge.
The good news is that by using a few simple guidelines, you can stay healthy and also stay fit without having to sacrifice your palate or your time locked away in your hotel gym during your entire trip!
Tips for Exercising While En Route:
- Flight delayed? Power walk the terminals rather than taking the tram, people movers or trying to hitch a ride from an airport cart.
- Do mini crunches on a plane or in a car by lifting both knees to your chest while seated and repeat.
- Try mini stretches you can do in your seat like circling your wrists, ankles and head to keep yourself limber -- and sane!
- On especially long flights, you can lunge up and down the aisles. You might get some looks, but they'll probably secretly want to join you!
Tips for Exercising Once You've Arrived:
- Reset your expectations. Keep in mind you're on vacation, and while you probably won't exercise to the same extent you do at home, even small modifications can make a world of difference.
- Say no to Segway tours! Instead, opt to walk or bike around town or to tourist attractions. Set a daily goal for your steps and track them with a pedometer.
- You won't be able to pack your dumbbells and kettle bells with your luggage, but try lighter equipment that packs a punch like resistance bands or a jump rope.
- Or forget the equipment all together and do full body, high intensity circuits like jumping jacks, pushups, lunges and planks. You can also use a fitness app to help guide you.
- Carry a backpack loaded with essentials like sunscreen and healthy snacks to add resistance and extra calorie burn to your walks.
- Use your hotel pool for a half-hour swim or waist-high resistance walk through the water and earn your poolside lounging!
- Get adventurous. Get out of your comfort zone and try something new like kayaking or surfing. Make fun memories while also burning calories!
Tips for Healthy Eating While Traveling:
- Sample a wide variety of delectable foods rather than feast on them. Remember, that moderation is key.
- Allow yourself one "treat" or dessert item a day. After that, opt for healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables.
- Water is your best friend. Staying hydrated makes you feel full and less likely to splurge, as well as keeping your metabolism working and flushing out your system throughout the day.
- Hide the minibar key and stock your hotel room with healthy snack choices. Removing the temptation to raid the room's fridge between meals and tourist activities will be easier on your waistline -- and your wallet!
Wherever your travels take you this summer, I wish you good health, happiness and lots of fun! And don't forget to take pictures!
Judi Sheppard Missett created the original dance party workout and started the fitness revolution that became Jazzercise. Today -- more than 45 years later -- Jazzercise is one of the world's leading dance fitness companies, offering a program that continually evolves with new beats, new moves and new classes. As Founder and CEO of Jazzercise, Judi Sheppard Missett leads a team of more than 8,300 franchisees teaching 32,000+ classes each week around the world. Jazzercise is a pulse-pounding, bass-dropping fitness program that gets results...fast. Customers can incinerate up to 800 calories in one 60 minute workout and choose from a variety of classes including Fusion, Core, Strike, Strength, Flip Fusion, Interval and Dance Mixx. For more information, visit jazzercise.com