How to Incorporate Exercise in Your Next Vacation

Wendy Brock
Do you ever feel like you need a vacation from your vacation? All that leisurely activity can leave you feeling tired. Incorporating exercise during your next vacation will keep your energy level up throughout and after your next getaway. Make an activity plan and stick to it during your next trip. It is simple to do and will keep you feeling great during your time away.

Walking is the easiest way to exercise. If weather is bad, take a brisk walk down the hotel corridors. Plan to stay in a hotel near the sites you want to visit and map out a walking route before you go. This not only saves money on gas and parking, but also on taxis. Even walking at a slow pace for only an hour throughout your day will burn over 100 calories.

If you enjoy jogging, ask the hotel workers about safe areas to jog. They will be more than happy to accommodate you. Many hotels offer gyms or fitness centers and have treadmills to use. When planning your next vacation, stay in a hotel with this perk. A light jog is a great way to start your morning and will keep your energy level up throughout the day.

Most hotels have indoor pools, so be sure to take your swimsuit. Leisurely swimming for only an hour can burn over 300 calories. Swimming is a great way to unwind and relieve stress at the end of the day. It will help you and the kids sleep better, too.

Research your destination area before you go. Whitewater rafting and canoeing are popular in many tourist hot spots. This moderate exercise can burn over 400 calories in an hour. If you're near the beach, look into scuba diving, water skiing, wind surfing, or snorkeling. These are great experiences for the whole family and an easy way to incorporate exercise.

Going to a ski resort holds many opportunities for exercise. Light effort cross-country skiing will burn over 500 calories in an hour. Activities such as sledding, ice skating, riding a snow mobile, and snowboarding are also fun for the family.

If you're vacationing in the mountains, it's easy to find a plethora of outdoor activities that incorporates exercise. Fly fishing can burn as much as 420 calories. Moderate bicycling through a national park can burn over 2000 calories. Mountain golf is a better option for fitness over miniature golf. Mountain golf has the same rules as regular golf, but the course is just different, since it's up and down hills. Walking instead of taking the cart is an even better choice. You can also hike, ride horses, and camp.

Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean you should leave out exercise from your plans. Exercise can help you start your day, loosen up tense muscles, and relieve stress. With fitness activities that include the family, it won't feel like you're exercising at all. Make your next trip a healthier one by incorporating exercise.

Published by Wendy Brock

Published writer, former NPR affiliate news reporter, textbook editor and proofreader, freelance writer and artist, professional and volunteer actor, and clogging instructor.  View profile

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