Get Active on Your Vacation

Work some workouts in your next trip!

You have finally gotten into an exercise habit at home and now you're headed off for some rest and relaxation.

Don't stop exercising now!

Major benefits

• Exercising can help you relax and reduce your stress levels, so you’re in vacation mode from day one¹
• Exercising also releases endorphins that makes you feel happy, so you're more likely to enjoy your time away¹
• A little bit of exercise every day will make it easier to sleep in an unfamiliar environment, you'll find it easier to fall asleep and be less likely to wake up in the middle of the night²

Hotel Perks

If you've paid for it, make the most of it!

Often hotels open their facilities early in the morning till late at night, so take advantage of them before you start or end your day! A quick splash in the pool or a brief jog will get your pulse racing.

Explore on Foot

Map in hand, lose yourself in your environment and allow your feet to do the walking.

Two-Wheeling

Biking is a great source of exercise that doesn't feel like hard work!

1. It engages all your lower body muscles, including your thighs, buttocks and lower legs
2. It helps to keep your heart healthy, lowers your blood pressure, and reduces your risk of diabetes and some forms of cancer³
3. It also helps you to get ahead of the crowds instead of waiting in traffic jams

Try a Walking Tour

1. Many towns and cities offer walking tours, where you can meet a guide who walks you around some of the major attractions, while filling you in on some historical facts.
2. Walking tours have many fun themes - like ghost tours. It's a great way of exploring, learning more about your location while staying physically active.

Play Like a Big Kid

1. Children always stay physically active for fun, and it is good for their mental and physical health. You can do the same!
2. Walk around the beach - it is a great workout for your legs, heart, and lungs. The sand provides additional challenge requiring extra effort on your part, maximizing your activity
3. Go for a jog! If you're the competitive type you could set up a mini beach volleyball or football game
   
   

Swim Like a Fish

Swimming is a great way to work out!

1. If you're going to be near the coast, then the easiest way to cool down and exercise at the same time is to play in the ocean
2. Try setting aside an amount of time to spend in the ocean
3. Do remember to pay attention to local tide warnings and safe swimming areas
   
   

Challenge New Muscles

1. Some vacation areas offer instruction on a variety of ocean sports, so you can benefit from a bit of expert advice
2. Pick an adventure vacation: these range from a yoga retreat to a fitness boot camp
3. No matter where you are heading, the other side of the world, or a week at home, you can fit in some exercise to keep your energy up and your spirits high
   
   

Sources

1. Mind guide to physical activity. Mind UK. Visited 22 July 2010. http://www.mind.org.uk/help/medical_and_alternative_care/mind_guide_to_physical_activity.
2. Youngstedt, S., Effects of exercise on sleep, Clinics in Sports Medicine, Volume 24, Issue 2, April 2005, Pages 355-365.
3. A physically active life through everyday transport - with a special focus on children and older people and examples and approaches from Europe. World Health Organization, 2002. Visited 22 July 2010