Travelers Meet Wellness
So it's time for your long awaited trip and you are ready ready, because vacation calories don't count, right? Um, wrong! Yes, vacation means a change of pace, a time of rest, renewal, and rejuvenation but it doesn't have to mean eating whatever you want and giving up on your workout regimen. Even for those international travelers dealing with jetlag from a 18+ hour flight, there's a way to get it in after you have gotten the recovery rest you need.
Quite simply, you'll need to plan accordingly to avoid making excuses since you will be outside of your daily routine. That's right...there is no need to put your 6-pack goal on the travel shelf and lose sight of the motivation you have gained and the time you have already invested. How can we be so sure we can succeed? Because we all like to drink our own kool-aid (sugar-free, of course)! That means proactively creating your own fitness action plan of fitness. That little effort will keep you from falling all the way off the health wagon just because you left your usual stomping grounds. Here are some key steps to help you stay mindfully committed while traveling anywhere at any time:
1. Pack portable fitness equipment like a jump rope, resistance bands, exercise dice, thin yoga mat, etc.
2. Opt for walking or renting a bike to explore your surroundings rather than always taking transportation
3. Take the stairs whether inside or outside and encourage others with you to join you.
4. Plan ahead by choosing short timed workouts (high intensity with low duration) that you can do while on the go without equipment such as compound or hybrid movements like body weight exercises (variations of squats, lunges, pushups, burpees, mountain climbers, and even standing crunches) or banded workouts like bicep curls, and shoulder presses, as well as cardio like jumping jacks that get your heart pumping for getting better results when you have limited time.
5. Prioritize your nutrition opportunities early and choose restaurants ahead of time that offer healthy food options you'll enjoy. Also, to help with hunger pangs, throw a few healthy snacks in your carry-on bag. That way you're not so inclined to go rogue on expensive airport fast food that can set you too far back.
6. Consider an intermittent fasting plan, since high calorie food and sugar-filled tropical cocktains tend to be welcomed options while enjoying a much-needed vacation. Even if you do indulge a bit by eating something off your diet plan, (yep, it will happen!), just get back on track with your next meal by making sure it is well-balanced and healthy for you. Take a water bottle with you so you can stay hydrated realizing certain drinks can dehydrate you like caffeine, alcohol, and sodas.
7. Finally, get enough rest. Don't let the excitement of being on a busy trip make all of your hard work go to waste by not getting enough sleep. Remember, sleep helps your mind and body recover from all that you put it through during the day.
Staying fit while traveling shouldn't be complicated. Remember the old adage: "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." Like anything worthwhile, staying on top of your well-being takes intention, dedication, preparation, and consistency. So know that YOU GOT THIS!
Now wherever you are headed next, be it a work trip or an adventure of a lifetime, you don't have to sacrifice your health journey. Just remember to make mindful choices by planning ahead. Until next time, My Travelers!