Summer Vacation Workouts

Summer is almost here! The family vacation is an American tradition, but you don’t have to take a vacation from fitness to have fun and relax. Take advantage of your vacation to add some variety to your workouts. Whether you are going to a luxury hotel, in a cabin by the lake, hang out at the beach or go camping in the mountains, you can stay fit and energetic during your vacation while having fun. 

Many people enjoy the quiet, serene surroundings of a cabin by a lake. America offers plenty of idyllic vacation spots on lakes. You know that swimming is a great way to get a good whole body cardiovascular workout, but you’re on vacation to relax, right? Take a relaxing dip in the lake to cool off from the summer heat and get a good workout, too. Walk out in the lake until the water is under your chin and your toes touching the bottom of the lake. Tread water for 5 to 8 minutes and then walk back to waist-deep water to rest for 2 minutes. Repeat this exercise 2 times ever day of your vacation. Canoeing and rowing are excellent  ways to work out your upper body, arms, chest and back. 

For those staying in a hotel while visiting an historic town or taking the kids to a popular amusement park, you don’t have to neglect fitness. Hotels usually have pools and fitness rooms complete with exercise machines and weights. After breakfast, head down to the hotel exercise facility and workout on a treadmill, stationary bicycle or elliptical for 20 minutes and then cool off with a few laps of the pool for 10 minutes. You will feel energized and ready to take on your daily vacation agenda. 

Camping and hiking are popular family vacation activities. Mountain hiking and camping offer numerous opportunities to exercise and stay in shape on vacation. Getting to your campsite will be a great workout, but don’t just sit in the shade once you set up camp. Exercise by exploring for 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening. Don’t walk alone, carry your cell phone in case of emergency and a GPS device to help you find your way back to your campsite. 

If you are vacationing at the beach, you will get a good workout just walking in the sand. The sand provides resistance that you can’t get walking on solid ground or on an exercise machine. You will definitely feel the positive effects in your shins, ankles, feet and calves. Wear a wide-brim hat, sunblock and sandals because the sand can become very hot during the day. Walk for 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the afternoon to stay fit,  while enjoying the ocean breeze and the scenery. Enjoy a game of beach volleyball and toss a Frisbee with your kids to have fun while exercising.