Stay on Track While on Vacation: Tips from Our Community
How can you keep your fitness up while on vacation and not annoying your family?
By
June 20, 2024
With summer upon us, many of you are probably planning exciting vacations. It's important to relax and enjoy your time away, but staying on track with your fitness goals doesn’t have to take a backseat. Here are some tips to keep you motivated and active while still enjoying your vacation to the fullest.
One of the best ways to stay fit on vacation is to visit a local CrossFit box. Trust me, I've been to gyms in Mexico, Iceland, Las Vegas, New York, and more, and each experience has been amazing. Not only do you get a great workout, but you also find an instant community. Plus, the locals often have the best inside tips on the area. We know that many athletes love to drop in to our gym while they are on vacation in Penticton, so why don't you do the same?
For instance, when I dropped into a box in Iceland (shoutout to CrossFit Reykjavik), I ended up partnering with a athlete from Mexico! They gave me some tips on where to shop and how to get around easier. In Mexico, I got amazing restaurant recommendations from fellow CrossFitters. It's a fantastic way to blend fitness and travel while making new friends along the way.
Vacation is also a time to rest and recharge, so don't feel guilty if you take a break from high-intensity workouts. Instead, stay active with low-intensity steady-state (LISS) activities. Go for a walk on the beach, hike in the mountains, or explore the city by foot. These activities keep you moving without overtaxing your body.
For example, during my trip to New York, I spent hours walking through Central Park and along the High Line. Not only did I stay active, but I also got to see some of the city's best sights.
If you feel like getting a workout in, you can still follow our programming. Swap out barbells for dumbbells or resistance bands if you don't have access to a full gym. Our staff is always here to give advice on how to modify workouts to fit the equipment you have.
During a trip to Las Vegas, I found myself in a hotel gym with limited equipment. By substituting dumbbells for barbells, I was able to stick to my routine and still get a solid workout. Reach out to us before you leave, and we can help tailor a plan for you.
When you return from vacation, it's important to ease back into your full workout load. Don’t expect to jump back into the same intensity without some delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). However, don’t take it too easy either. If you've built up a good fitness engine, it won’t take long to get back into the swing of things.
Think of your body like a finely tuned car; it might need a bit of a warm-up after sitting idle, but it’s still capable of high performance. Focus on gradual progression and listen to your body. It’s not just about the workouts – your body gets good at recovery, too.
Vacations are a wonderful time to relax and explore new places, but you don’t have to completely derail your fitness journey. Whether it’s dropping into a local CrossFit box, staying active with low-intensity activities, modifying your workouts, or easing back into your routine, there are plenty of ways to stay on track.
Remember, fitness is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy your vacation, and we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.