School’s out for the next few months, which means it’s time to see how we stay motivated over summer vacation! If you’ve been a reader of Runs With Pugs for a while, you know that our family maintains a bit of an untraditional schedule. Due to the types of jobs we have, Mr PugRunner and I can both work remotely, and are able to really take full advantage of the summer, when little man is home from school.
He does attend a few camps, but right now, he is a lot more interested in more unstructured time, playing and hanging out with friends. He works so hard in school all year that we are comfortable giving him some downtime to unwind and prep for the next academic year.
Being on such a changing schedule with so many moving parts can definitely play a part in sidelining fitness endeavors, but here are some of the ways I stay motivated over summer vacation.
Be prepared.
Bring your running or training shoes and at least an outfit or two in your suitcase. Sure, there are a few hotels that offer complimentary (or close to it) workout gear just in case, but it’s great to have your own. Eliminating the excuses can certainly make working out on vacation or while traveling that much easier.
Use the gym.
So many hotels offer gyms and fitness centers, so it only makes sense to take advantage. At the very least, you’ll be able to get in some cardio or floor work, if not a full weight routine. Just like at home, all you need to do is carve out a little extra time to get it done.
Have a backup plan.
If you don’t have access to a fitness center, be prepared with a workout plan you can do in your room using furniture or even your own body weight. Pinterest is loaded with great exercise ideas that can easily be done in small spaces with little to no equipment. Easy peasy.
Use what’s at your fingertips.
If a structured workout doesn’t fit in the plans, then do the best you can with what you have. Opt for walking instead of driving to your destinations if you can. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. Schedule adventures that are maybe a little more active than not. Walking can be a fabulous exercise while traveling and should not be overlooked as valid option.
Enjoy yourself. Wisely.
You’ll probably be eating out more while on vacation, but that doesn’t mean your healthier eating plans are destroyed. If you have access to a kitchen, then it becomes much easier but if restaurants and out food is your option… Splurge on yummy things, but make smart choices. On our most recent staycation, I ate the most amazing food, but stuck to grilled and blackened seafood with lots of leafy greens, among other lean proteins and veggies. I resisted mindless snacking and sugary cocktails at the pool (not to worry, there are plenty of other adult beverages out there) and came home feeling great, on track and not one bit deprived.
With the right planning and outlook, your fitness can continue seamlessly through your summer and/or vacation without interrupting or intruding on your plans.
I’m joining up with Fridays With Fairytales & Fitness. Head on over and check them out!
How do you stay motivated over summer vacation or break?
What’s the one sure-fire way you stay healthy and on track while out of town?
It can definitely be hard to get the workouts in when the kids are home for summer vacation and sometimes getting creative is necessary for sure. I love that Pack It bag that you have. So cute!
Sandra D Laflamme recently posted…Confidence Coaching with Coach Christen
The Pack It Bag has come in handy so many times! I love the whole Eagle Creek system.
I love to get out and explore the area when we are traveling either on foot or bike. I also like to check out local fitness studios
Deborah Brooks recently posted…Part 2 Ragnar Relay Niagara Falls
these are ALL great tips, Jenn. I think most important is to remember that you have goals, even when on vacation and that life is all about balance. we always have our gear with us and we enjoy doing active things while we are traveling! I eat the ice cream but may have the salad with grilled chicken for dinner. It’s all about balance!
I always bring my running shoes and workout clothes. I’m a huge fan of stairways, so I’ve been know to scale the stairs in many hotels where we’ve stayed. Depending on the locale, I’ll go for a short run (I’m always up and moving before anyone else, so it’s never an issue with my running interfering with any touristy plans). Lastly, also I do a lot of hotel-room workouts…push-ups, planks, lunges/squats, burpees/wall sits…it’s not hard to get the sweat going 😉
These are great tips! I don’t travel too much in the summer but when I do I love that I have so many ways to stay actives – apps on my phone, online workouts, hotel gym, etc.
That dinner looks delicious. With all the traveling I do for work it’s hard to stay on track. I do try to pack my food. Much cheaper and healthier going out to eat all the time.
I travel a bunch and always bring my workout gear with me, though I often get sidelined and don’t use it! We just got back from 9 days in Puerto Vallarta and I was very good about sticking to my low-carb eating in the land of tacos and margaritas!
The Accidental Marathoner recently posted…Race Recap: Byline Bank Chicago Spring Half Marathon
I love using hotel gyms as well as doing workouts in the room! Many hotels now have smart TVs that allow you to get on YouTube. So many good and quick workouts on YouTube! I’ll even do it from my laptop when the TV can’t be used.
These are great tips! I always carry running clothes and shoes in my suitcase when I travel as I love running in new places.
I think flexibility is key too. Never know where workouts are going to pop up. Or what you can turn into a workout. Enjoy your down time with the little one