By Joli Guenther, MSSW, NASM-CPT
The end of summer is a tempting time to hit the road. End of season and weekend discounts tempt
family travelers and when traveling without kids, the start of the school year brings
a welcome break from summer crowds and heat. Unfortunately, end of summer
travel can also be an intimidating challenge for your fitness routine. Hours in the car, travel fatigue, and calorie
laden restaurant meals make physical activity essential, but how can you stay
fit when your equipment is back at home?
Planning your on-the-road workouts can be as simple as
packing your walking shoes. Hotels are
usually very helpful in providing recommendations for popular running and
walking routes, allowing you to see more of your chosen destination. Renting bicycles for an afternoon of site
seeing lets you to leave the car behind and combine fitness and fun. If you'd like to take this further by
building your vacation around building your fitness, the Independent Traveler
offers some inspiring vacation ideas. http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=667&category=5
You can also get a great workout with little to no
equipment. For a self-paced cardio and
weight circuit, consider packing a jump rope and exercise band in your suit
case. Alternate jumping rope and running
or marching in place with resistance activities for a workout that just might
let you come home in better shape than when you left. Check out this link http://www.workoutsforyou.com/travel_plan.htm
for full body routine you can do in your hotel room using simple furniture and
a resistance band.
Planning ahead to build fitness into your schedule will
leave you with more energy and fewer travel aches and pains. You'll enjoy your destination more and find
just a little less guilt over the pleasures of dining on the road. Have a great trip!