Advertisement
|
|
Viewing It is not Impossible to Keep Fit While you Travel: ProofIt is not Impossible to Keep Fit While you Travel: Proof
By Kathy Steinemann
|
We often plan our vacations to take advantage of every sightseeing opportunity - with no time for relaxation. Although it may seem impossible to maintain an exercise routine amid all the commotion, it can be done. Read on for some easy exercise tips. We often plan our vacations to take advantage of every sightseeing opportunity - with no scheduled time for relaxation. Although it may seem impossible to maintain an exercise routine amid all the commotion and stress, it can be done. Read on for some easy exercises and fitness tips. Plan a Few Physical Activities as Part of Your Vacation Be sure to consider all the sightseeing and activities in or near your travel destination. Are bike rentals available? Is there a beach nearby? What about walking tours? Anything that involves walking, swimming, hiking, climbing, biking, or horseback riding will help to maintain your fitness level. Simple Exercises Can be Done Just About Anywhere Standing in line at the airport? 1.) Try tensing and relaxing your glutes, pelvic floor, or leg muscles. 2.) Exhale, then pull in your abs as tightly as possible. Hold for a few seconds, then relax and repeat. Sitting and waiting for your flight to be called? 1.) Lift your heels off the floor while flexing your calf muscles, then reverse the process with your toes off the floor. 2.) Tense your shoulders while you exaggerate good posture and pull your shoulder blades together, then relax. Waiting out a rainstorm in your hotel room? 1.) While watching TV, walk briskly in place, lifting the knees high and vigorously pumping your arms at the same time. 2.) Try doing some pushups on the bed (to avoid germ-laden carpets/floors) or against a wall. 3.) Throw in a few leg raises, bends, and stretches after your muscles are warm. Choices - make the right ones! 1.) If you have a choice between elevator and stairs, choose the stairs whenever possible. 2.) Select walking tours instead of bus excursions. 3.) Pick a hotel, bed and breakfast, or resort that is within walking (not driving) distance of activities. 4.) Instead of watching a pay-per-view movie, take a dip in the hotel swimming pool or go for a walk. Nix the leisurely window shopping. Find a large mall and go shopping - but don't allow yourself any purchases until you complete a brisk 1/2-hour walk around the mall. Take some easy-to-pack equipment. Check your local fitness store or shop online for a few items that will fit into your suitcase. Pick and choose from the following list, or devise your own. 1.) Exercise fitness ball (and pump) 2.) Fitness resistance bands 3.) Hand-grip exerciser 4.) Yoga mat (the non-slip type) 5.) Fitness books: Yoga or Pilates 6.) Book or DVD of mat exercise routines 7.) Mini stair stepper/resistance band machine 8.) Water-filled dumbbells Environmentally-Friendly Options Instead of purchasing water-filled dumbbells, fill soda bottles with water and use them instead. One pint of water weighs approximately 1 pound. You won't build huge muscles with such tiny weights, but quick reps while walking in place will provide an aerobic workout. Always choose 'manual' in preference to 'motorized' or 'electric'. In the following list, the first option of each point is more environmentally-friendly: -stairs vs. elevator -brisk walking vs. motorized treadmill -snorkeling from the shore vs. off a boat -bicycling vs. travel via vehicle -horseback riding vs. ATVing Some Safety Tips During Flights To avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT), be sure to get up and move around at least once every hour. Flexing your calf muscles with a toe or heel raise will also help to prevent this sometimes fatal condition. At All Times Remember hydration - hydration - hydration! One of the causes of sluggishness, sunstroke, and jet lag during holidays is insufficient liquid intake. Injury Prevention Do not introduce unfamiliar physical activities on vacation. Develop a pre-holiday program with a professional fitness trainer, physiotherapist, chiropractor, or physician if you will be doing something extreme like mountain climbing. If you are out of shape, don't plan to start a new routine while you travel. Instead, adopt a low-impact, easy-to-follow approach that will not exacerbate flabby muscles or pre-existing medical conditions. Always consult with your doctor before you attempt unfamiliar exercises. Use Common Sense Take some of the principles presented in this article and combine them with your own ideas. You should be able devise some new exercise movements to keep you and your family fit while you travel. Bon Voyage! (c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author's note below (with active links) are included. Planning a vacation? 111 Travel Directory offers bed and breakfasts, budget hostels, and over 1000 travel tips - submitted by people just like you from all over the world. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
 Print
|