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Travel is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves, and the benefits go well beyond taking a break from our lives. It opens us to new environments, cultures, cuisines and experiences.
Staying active should be an important part of any vacation as it helps elicit dopamine, the feel-good hormone, to drive up our energy levels and keep us motivated. It can also help keep you accountable and make it easier to transition back into your daily regimen post vacation.
Here are my top five healthy tips for your next vacation:
- Pack workout gear. Set aside room in your suitcase for sneakers and two sets of workout clothes. If you pack it, your workout gear will be staring at you every day, making it hard to say, “no.”
- Check out the hotel gyms. Go online before you go, so that you know if there are gym options. Take into consideration the hours, rules, equipment and if any classes are offered.
- Track your steps. Wear a fitness tracker, and set a daily goal. Aim for 12,000 steps per day. This will push you to get out and explore.
- Bring a band. Mini resistance bands will not put your suitcase over the weight limit. They pack a big punch and offer similar resistance to weights.
- Explore the area. Being somewhere new brings on a sense of adventure. Check out a new workout that you have always wanted to try, or find out what is popular in the area and give it a go.
Keep in mind that vacation workouts do not need to be as intense as your workouts at home. Give yourself permission to have fun, and aim for 40–50 percent of your normal intensity level. Let’s be honest, you need to save energy for pool, beach or mountain time!
Laurel Famigletti is an area resident and owner of EndorP.H.I.T, where she provides virtual group fitness classes, in-home personal training and virtual nutrition coaching.
