Tips for Working out while on Vacation

Believe it or not, I like working out on vacation! I always feel great after a workout, I love the endorphin rush and it helps me feel less guilty when I indulge on meals and sweets. A couple of weeks ago we took the kids to Universal Orlando for Spring Break and I did make sure to get a couple of workouts in. The following are my tips for getting workouts in while on vacation-

1. Make sure you pack EVERYTHING you may need even if you aren’t sure if you will be needing it

If there is a nice running path often times I will run because it is a great way to explore a new city. In this case we were visiting theme parks so I knew I’d likely hit the actual gym, however, I have stayed in theme park hotels that have had really nice areas for running. Disney’s Epcot resort hotels are all around a lake so it’s really nice to run there early in the morning. We stayed at the Loews Sapphire Falls this time and I had never been there so I was not sure if running outdoors was an option. Nonetheless, the following are things I made sure to take-

• Workout clothes
• Sneakers
• Extra Socks
• headphones
• iPad to access Beachbody on Demand
• Protein Powder since I am used to eating a small meal before working out
• Hydration belt in case I did run outdoors

2. Scope out the gym situation before you are actually going to go workout

I like doing this for several reasons. First of all, I am most likely going to workout first thing in the morning and if we plan to get an early start to our day, I need to be efficient in the morning. This way, I know where the gym is and I don’t waste time in the morning trying to find it. It also gives me a chance to see what equipment they have so I can decide what workout to do. I also will usually ask at check in if there is a running path if it’s a hotel I am not familiar with. In this case, I was told there was a 1 mile path but was not given a great explanation as to where it was. Furthermore, I needed to get my workout in at 6AM so I didn’t want to run outside alone when it was dark out. Gym it is!

3. HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE!

It can be hard on vacation to stay hydrated. You are out of routine and likely busy. Also, depending on what your vacation consists of, you may be constantly on the move and possibly out in the sun. If you want to be able to workout though, it is important to remember to drink water. I have been meaning to share a blog post with tips on drinking more water but I find that setting a goal and measuring water intake is the best way to stay hydrated. There are apps you can use to monitor water intake. I try to drink a gallon of water a day, however, you should be drinking at least your body weight in ounces daily, whether on vacation or not.

I know this is going to be an unpopular suggestion but depending on how badly you want to get a workout in, you also need to go slow on the booze. I am currently on an alcohol free streak and did not drink on this vacation BUT I have definitely been guilty of not feeling up to working out on a vacation because I over indulged on drinks the day before. I promise, getting that workout in will feel better than a hangover, even if it’s slight. If you missed my post where I share my experience vacationing sans alcohol and are curious about it you can click this link to check it out: My First Alcohol Free Vacation- Universal Orlando

4. Leave everything set out the night before

This is crucial if you are doing an early morning workout. Usually everyone in the room is asleep when I am getting ready to go so I try to make as little noise as possible. I even leave water in my shaker for my protein so that’s ready to go.

5. Plan your workout

I currently do CrossFit and sometimes in cases like this I will ask my coaches for workouts to do with equipment I know will be available such as dumbbells. The week before my trip I was rushing out of class though because we were ending tax season. As I always say- this is why I will ALWAYS have Beachbody on Demand! The night before I searched workouts and chose 30 minute workouts to allow some time for running on the treadmill.

6. GET THAT WORKOUT IN!

7. Enjoy those Endorphins and Enjoy all the YUMMY vacation treats! You earned them!

I know it can be hard to wake up extra early and squeeze in a workout while traveling but I have honestly never regretted it! You should already be in a great mood since you are on vacation so imagine the high you’ll be on with those endorphins enhancing your mood even more!

Thanks for visiting!

-Jenny