25 Summer Fitness Tips

Vacationing this summer is a time for you to relax, but it also can be a time for us maintain good fitness. There are so many wonderful ways to enjoy vacations without feeling like you’re destined to gain weight.

Having a commitment to physical activity as a daily part of your life allows you to find creative ways to fit it in. And summer vacation is a perfect time for that creativity!

In fact, when you incorporate a variety of fun physical activities into your vacation, you’ll return home feeling both fit and energized.

Even better, fun exercises like these also help you sleep well, so you wake up each day feeling refreshed and ready to explore some more.

Here are some fun suggestions to get you started when you’re enjoying family and friends on your vacation:

1. Explore your national or state parks. To find a national park close to your location visit www.nps.gov. To find your local state parks, visit their individual web pages.
2. Don’t just visit your parks, experience them. For example, if you’re in the Grand Canyon, go hiking or canoeing down the rapids. Try rock climbing, caving, or trail running — there are so many options!
3. Book hotel rooms that have a swimming pool or tennis and basketball courts.
4. Take walking tours. Most major cities offer guided walking tours. It is a great way to learn a new city while getting exercise.
5. Eat at one restaurant, but plan on walking to different place for your dessert.
6. If driving for a long period of time, take breaks at rest stops for a brisk walk or stretch. This also helps increase your alertness at the wheel.
7. Rent bikes and choose to see the area you are visiting by peddling around.
8. Participate in water activities such as swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boats, or rafting.
9. Pack a picnic, find a location with an inspiring or pleasant view, and then enjoy your picnic lunch.
10. While you’re sitting on the ground, do some simple stretching exercises.
11. Many hotels offer yoga or water aerobics classes. Kick-start your morning with an activity like these to rev up your metabolism for the day.
12. Other hotels have simple weight rooms. Just be sure to stretch well before starting so you don’t pull any muscles!
13. Go dancing. Ask the concierge for places that offer lessons, then dance the night away with the new steps you’ve learned.
14. Take morning walks on the beach or through nature trails before everyone gets up.
15. If you have to wait in long lines, do calf raises.
16. Many locations have attractions where you can swim with the fish or snorkel nearby coral reefs.
17. If visiting family or friends, a walk after dinner provides a perfect chance for catching up.
18. Take the kids (and yourself!) to the water parks.
19. Bring activities you can do with the people you’re traveling with (Frisbee, badminton, soccer ball, beach ball, etc).
20. If you have an infant, invest in or borrow a child- carrying back pack. Lots of babies like the gentle rhythm of walking. And you will get a cardiovascular and strength training activity all at once.
21. When you find yourself in an airport, browse the airport shops between flights, rather than sitting in the lobby.
22. Pack light and check as many bags as possible so you won’t be burdened down by your carry-on luggage.
23. Always avoid the airport escalators and moving sidewalks, unless you’re in a desperate hurry or are disabled in some way.
24. To prevent the stress fatigue that can inhibit your daily activities, practicing your breathing exercises whenever you have a few minutes.
25. Finally, don’t overdo it, or think you have to try all of these ideas. Just pick the ones that make the most sense to you and have a great summer.