You've been good, You've been so good you can actually see results. For once in your life, you're ready to show off what you worked on at the gym and introduce your newly-toned self to the beach in your favorite swimwear. You even booked a vacation for it. You're about to spend two weeks this summer somewhere sunny and beachy and enjoy the fruits of your labor. But you also want to make sure that bod stays tight when you get back, right? Personal trainer Paul Davis has some tips for you. Here is how you do it, or how you stay focused on your fitness goals when you're on vacation.
Make workout plans for your trip and pack accordingly
Plan your workout as part of your vacation itinerary and pack your workout essentials with you (clothes, protein bars, your favorite sneakers, etc.). You can even tie a resistance band or a jump rope around one of your suitcases' handles. These will be handy and versatile. Plan the exercises you're going to do and save a few of those plans on your phone so you can easily access them when you're away. There are some great creative ideas for such plans on Pinterest and YouTube. Don't forget that some of your vacation activities can be counted as exercise, like water ski, guided bike tour, etc. Look for the ones that you like and plan them into your vacation!
Get a daily 15-30 minute exercise
In fact, you can even squeeze in an 8 minute HIIT workout a day and make sure you stay fit. Early birds would probably prefer to do that in the morning. Others would do well to set an alarm on your phone to remind you to get your daily grind. If you're having a hard time deciding what activity to give up for those precious few minutes, try to chip away at your social media time. You know it's better for you anyway.
Think outside the box
But first — think inside the box and check if your accommodation has a gym. If there is none, just make sure it has enough space for a set of bodyweight exercises. If it's close to the beach, congratulate yourself on being able to do your daily pumps on the white sand while listening to the ocean. You can also combine fitness and sightseeing through local fitness lessons, like yoga in Thailand, or a bike tour in Amsterdam.
Try the local food
Local food from a local business usually means the dishes are fresher and contain fewer preservatives. (Plus, it's a great way to explore your new destination.) Research for relevant restaurants that have local food and healthy alternatives before you go. You might even want to try a local cooking class and get up close and personal with the local cuisine. Treat yourself with new flavors, but remember to pace yourself and not stray too far from your regular nutrition regimen.