I just booked our yearly mini vacation at Wildwood today. As I was scanning the different hotel websites, I can't help but notice how many are now offering free use of exercise rooms as part of their amenities. Who on earth goes to the gym during vacations?
Then it hit me. Many (including me) are making a big effort to be fit and healthy the whole year. After so much hard work, discipline and happy dances, isn't it so disappointing to gain back all the pounds lost (and add more) in just few days? I know what you'll say, "but it's VACATION!"
Is there a way to find a balance between fitness and vacation? Thanks to my new mom friend Kendra Thornton, I was able to learn practical and budget friendly ways to stay fit and have fun at the same time. Check out the tips she shared below. I'm sure the number of excuses we (I) have will be equal to zero.
Happy Monday!
- Roz
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| Photo courtesy of ThreeLittleBirds333 |
Family fitness is important to me. At home, the kids participate in sports, and we all exercise regularly. Vacation time presents challenges because our routine is different, but we can have plenty of fun together while still staying fit and active. Here are a few tips that you might like to incorporate on your next family vacation:
1. Use Hotel Amenities
More and more travelers are requiring fitness amenities, and many hotels have complied. I always try to book a hotel with a well-equipped gym and actually did so for our upcoming trip to Orlando. With so many hotels in Orlando, sites like Gogobot can be a huge resource. My kids like to spend time splashing in the hotel pool, so I check for a well-maintained pool as well. Amenities such as fitness classes or in-room fitness videos are an added bonus. To avoid high-calorie dangers, I also make a point of refusing the key to the minibar at my hotel.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Water is essential for overall health and fitness. My family never goes anywhere without water bottles. Each family member has their own. If our vacation activities involve spending time in the hot sun, I often chill the full bottles in the freezer before we head out on out adventure. Drinking enough water can actually help you avoid heat-related issues such as heat exhaustion.
3. Pick Your Restaurants
Do some research concerning local restaurants before you go on vacation. Try to choose places that serve food made from fresh, locally produced ingredients. Restaurants that include vegetarian options on the menu are usually good choices. At a restaurant, make healthy decisions by choosing fresh fruit or salads instead of greasy, fried options as sides. Cut calories by ordering entrées without sauces or cheese.
4. Get Active
Vacationers can always find active things to do together. Play games in a local park to get your blood pumping. Enjoy a round of horseshoes or shuffleboard together. On the beach, enjoy a game of volleyball or play catch with a football. Bring along some Nerf items to add to the active fun.
There are dozens of ways to help your family enjoy a fun, fit vacation together. When you take the time to incorporate healthy habits into vacation time, you’ll enjoy yourself even more. Additionally, these healthy habits will make it easier to fall back into your normal routine once you return home.
Kendra Thornton is a mother of three. Before being promoted to the position as full time mom, she was the Director for Communications at Orbitz. She and her family now lives in Chicago. According to her, family is my number one priority in everyday life.
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