Going on vacation can quickly derail your fitness goals: You’re away from home, off of your regular schedule and ready to treat yourself. But there are plenty of ways to incorporate activity into your getaway so you can stay on track.
One of the biggest reasons people take vacations is to relax, get away from their everyday routine and explore a new destination. When I travel, I also love sampling the local culinary scene and trying out new flavors and dishes. At times, I’ve gone overboard on indulging and returned from vacation with tighter pants and a bit of guilt.
Here’s how I’ve achieved balance by incorporating unique activities into my explorations, so I can enjoy eating my way through a city –– but still feel relatively healthy when I return home.
Enjoy the Resort Amenities
In addition to dining and spa services, many properties feature fitness centers and group classes. Some properties may even provide guests with fitness kits that may include bands or weights, yoga mats, exercise DVDs and more.
You can also check with your concierge about activity options that get you moving and get you out into your surroundings, such as bike, snorkeling and watersports rentals. Once you hit the trail (or the water) and go exploring, it doesn’t feel like exercising. Local adventure offerings will depend on the destination, so you’ll get to enjoy a variety of unique activities that way.
Quick Tip:
Do your research or call the resort concierge before you arrive, so you can pack light, but still come prepared with the right gear for fitness and adventure activities.
Make Fitness Fun
Whenever I venture away from the resort and tell myself that I’m “exploring” and not “working out,” I tend to find the best local activities. I love taking bike tours: I had no problem pedaling around New Orleans when I was following a guide and learning the history of the Garden District. Renting a mountain bike in Colombia meant that I was able to visit Minca, a cute town that I never would have found otherwise.
You can also use your vacation as an opportunity to go outside your comfort zone and learn a new skill on vacation. I first tried stand up paddleboarding (SUP) on a trip to Lake Tahoe. I had seen people paddling before, but I was always a bit nervous about trying it: That whole falling into the lake thing seemed a bit chilly. But with a few tips and a lot of deep breaths, I ended up standing up and had a glorious experience. Now, I search out SUP whenever I can.
Quick Tip:
Ask your concierge to recommend nearby running trails or walking tours of the city — it’s a great way to explore a new destination.
Just Keep Moving
You’re on vacation, which means you get to do what you want with your time. But if you’re looking to offset the effects of sampling another flavor of gelato or sipping one more pint of craft beer, the best way to stay fit on vacation is to simply get moving. Visiting a new city? Stroll around in search of street art or eschew the Uber and wander from museum to museum. Relaxing on the beach? Play in the waves or go hunting for shells. When you keep your feet moving, it’s easier to splurge without the guilt.
Quick Tip:
Many resorts offer fun exercise options to help you stay active and balanced while on vacation. For example, clubTHRIVESM at Marriott Vacation Club® properties offers fitness classes ranging from yoga to water aerobics.
Explore More:
Plan your next vacation with Marriott Vacation Club®.