It’s difficult to keep a strict workout schedule and healthy diet when you travel as much as we do. As soon as I get settled into my usual routine at home after being away for a few weeks, it seems like we’re right back at the airport again. And missed time at the gym for me means a few extra inches and a loss of endurance, which makes for a painful return to working out. There are a few ways I’ve found keeps me on track with my health while I’m away.
Do at least one activity a day. Hiking, diving and golfing are a few activities we love. All have excellent health benefits and allow you to see the beauty of your surroundings while burning calories.
Hiking Fox Glacier, New Zealand
Visit a local gym. Not all of our vacations allow me do this (it would have been impossible in Paris) but I’ve purchased short-term memberships at gyms in both Melbourne and Hawaii. This is the best way for me to reach my fitness goals since I’m able to take classes I love, such as spinning. It’s rare we stay in a hotel that has a gym on-site, but when we book our accommodations I always try to see if we can find one in our budget that offers a fitness center for even more convenience.
Hot Spin in Hawaii: Since I’m always exploring new workout options on the road, I found a spin class offered at Spa Grande’s fitness center at the Grand Wailea in Wailea, Maui, for just $10! Compared to the price of even stepping foot in this Waldorf Astoria hotel, I thought this was a steal of a deal. My dear friend Deanna and I braved up and signed up for the one-hour class.
I’ve been spinning one or two times per week for about a year and half now, so I like to think I know what I’m doing during a spin class. But about five minutes into the class I felt as though this was the first time to ever step foot in a spin studio.
The spin instructor, Nazi Nancy as she was known, was a former dance choreographer who led the class by using choreographed upper body moves. It was like our upper body was taking a Zumba class while our lower body took spin. I had no idea some of the moves she demonstrated were even humanly possible on a bike. And to top it off, the air was shut off the entire time. I don’t know if you’ve ever been to a tropical destination, but it’s hot and humid with the air on. Add 30 cyclists sweating profusely for 60 minutes and it turned into a sauna of sweat.
As much as we hated every minute of it, it was one of the best workouts we have ever done. I don’t know if it was due to the foggy mirrors caused by the sweat, the artful performance of the instructor or the energy of the cyclists trying to survive the class, we loved every minute of it. We’ll be visiting Nazi Nancy next year when we return for our yearly vacation.
Eat local. Dining on foods that are specific to the region you’re in often provides you with the freshest and healthiest ingredients. We’re more likely to eat better of we dine as the locals do, like eating the catch of the day in Hawaii or Key West. Bad-for-you foods still tempt us while traveling though, so I try to eat light at one meal a day in case we are faced with unhealthy options later. (Check out my tips for conquering travel cravings!)
Tuna poke salad, Key West
Count your cocktails. I’m preaching to the choir on this topic since we are obsessed with discovering new local beer, wine and cocktails. (That’s what vacation is all about, right?) And I can’t resist any drink that comes with a little umbrella. The only rule I have is to omit day drinking and save your calories for dinner.
Blueberry mojito, Four Seasons Maui, Hawaii
Treat yourself to rest and relaxation. A healthy mind means a healthy body as well. We choose to splurge on a spa day when we travel so we can fully de-stress while on vacation. Usually you get access to a fitness center along with your spa services, which makes for a great way to work up a sweat before your massage or facial, leaving you feeling rejuvenated mentally and physically.
Octopus Resort, Fiji
