Vacation does NOT mean having to give up on exercise. I am all for resting and recharging batteries, as that is an important part of life. At the same time, exercise is not the anthesis to that concept; in many ways, it can enhance it. Let me explain. I love to travel and go on vacations and go whenever I can. I have been to the beach several times in the last month or so (it’s not too hard to get there–I am a lucky guy). Right off the bat, I know I will over eat during my little trip. The seafood, the delicious bubble tea, and the buffet breakfasts always mean weight-gain without ensuring I keep up with my exercise. And while I am not afraid of packing on a few kilos or pounds, it is not always a necessary outcome. So my approach while on trips and vacations is to incorporate exercise into all that I do. This doesn’t put added pressure on me or my vacation but actually opens up my experience to new sights and adventures.

So one of the first thing I do is plan a little. I find the best way (location) to rent a bicycle so I can pick that up quickly upon arrival at my destination–and make sure that is arranged in advance. The day of traveling, before boarding my plane (in this case, I fly to the beach), I am always doing my airport-exercise. I do a little more exercise on the plane. When I arrive at the next airport, instead of taking the hotel shuttle or van, I run. I run back to the hotel, or more often, to the bike rental shop–just right of the bat. The airport shuttle is still useful though as it can carry my bags to the hotel, and I can collect them when I arrive at the hotel later. If I am traveling with family and friends, they can join the airport shuttle or run with me on my little adventure (I understand no everyone will always be on board, but some advanced communication and compromise, it can definitely work). Once I get my bike, I then use that for the rest of my trip. Instead of assuming every little outing requires a car, my bicycle proves a healthy and fun way to see more of my beach paradise. On the bike, I can more slowly witness and appreciate the architecture and natural beauty–it gives me the chance to discover special street food or hidden little restaurants. Riding my bicycle opens up a whole world that was not as accessible sitting inside a gas-guzzling car.

Of course, I bring my resistance cords on all outings–to museums or old prisons or visiting pagodas. When the time is right, like when I am waiting for something or someone, I pull out my cords and get some sets in. If there is a gym at my hotel (something I always look out for when booking my hotel), yes I may use that a few times throughout the day. A few pushups each morning and evening…some squats while waiting in the ticket line at the local safari…these are all little things I do throughout the day to keep exercise interwoven in all that I do. And yes, I always have my hygiene kit with me to stay clean and fresh. 😉

There is no shame in using a car if necessary or sitting on the beach, relaxing. But that doesn’t have to be the WHOLE story to healthy vacationing. I find that approaching my vacations this way, I have more energy, get to eat more delicious food, and I can more easily keep my beach bod. 🙂 It’s not as hard or complicated as many would think. It’s a choice–a way of life–and it’s amazing!