7 Ways to Stay Fit on Vacation ...

1. The Early Bird Catches the Worm (and Burns More Calories)

Stay fit while on vacation and wake up early to start your day with a run or power walk. I run 5-7 miles daily on vacation at 5 am. By the time I finish my run I still have time to get back to the resort, dress the children, feed them and they are not even aware I was away. This early morning session will burn 500-700 calories and eliminate your losing strength and endurance on vacation. Why lose the hard work you put in to prepare for vacation, on vacation?

2. Dance the Night Away

There are so many options to dance on vacation so why not dance the calories away. Vigorous dancing for 1 hour burns approximately 350 calories. On vacation I always seem to find many opportunities to dance with the family and I take advantage of every one. Sure it is not the same calorie expenditure as running for an hour but it is still activity and it works off some of the vacation dessert you may splurge on (running or walking will work off the rest).

3. Walk to Your Destinations

Instead of jumping on every bus or train why not utilize walking as your mode of transportation. If it is possible (and safe) to walk to your destination just do it! On vacation we walk as much as we can and usually rack 1-2 miles daily. This small walking session will burn 100-200 calories! So walk on your vacation and you will stay slim and feel great!

4. Plan a Fitness Event as Part of Your Vacation

A vacation should not be a vacation from you’re your health so run to it! Why not run or walk a 5k while on vacation? There are 5k races often in the spring, summer and fall so why not run one on vacation. You will have the opportunity to meet some locals and explore a different area. On vacation my husband surprised me and signed me up for 5k race near Disney World. It was so thoughtful of him to do so. And it ended up being a family event. My oldest daughter, 6, at the time, ran the ½ mile race and my youngest, 4 ran the ¼ mile race. A 5k race burns 300-400 calories.

5. Swim the Day Away

Spend a few hours swimming each day and work your core and legs. Do some leg flutter kicks in the water and tighten your core. Add in some arm circles. Did you know in 1 hour of aquatic exercise you can burn as much as 450 calories?

6. Compete in a Pedometer Challenge

Challenges are always fun and exciting especially when you can reap great rewards from the challenge and stay slim. Create a challenge between you and your travel companion. Whomever logs in the highest miles wins a massage or planning the next activity. This is a fun way to stay motivated and stay connected with your partner. Aiming for 10,000 steps a day will help to achieve a healthy goal and burn an extra 400-600 calories!

7. Make Being Fit Even More Fun on Vacation

Find your inner child while on vacation and relive your youth. Have fun in beach volleyball, a game of tag, tennis, beach sprints, and just be you! You will have a great time and attain your goal of staying fit while on vacation!

If you followed this vacation weekly plan you will burn nearly 7000 calories (calories are estimated based on a 125-150 lb woman). Since there are 3500 calories in a pound you could lose 2 pounds while on vacation if you exercise to this plan and eat well (limiting sweets). Just remember to make your vacation unique and special to you. If you have become a fitness enthusiast or are working towards your new body and better health there is no reason to take a vacation from your fitness. The people that take a vacation from fitness have not made fitness part of their lifestyle yet. But don’t look at these individuals differently, inspire them! You have made a lifestyle change so continue your newfound passion on vacation and inspire others with your ambition and dedication. Now how will you stay fit on your vacation?