While trudging along on the black sand beach in Iceland, Lara looked at me and said something along the lines of, "you should do a post about sneaking exercise into your vacation, because this is hard work!" I laughed, but it was actually a really good idea (don't tell her that!) and so here we are. For me sneaking in a workout is kind of difficult, as I've always built workouts into the itinerary- hiking, walking around town (I unintentionally burned SO MANY calories in NYC the first time I went because I walked literally everywhere. I tried to only take the subway when the distance would have been over an hour to walk. I kept wondering why I was so hungry the whole time I was there...until I checked my Fitbit), swimming, snorkeling, and biking.
So I got to thinking, what are some other ways you can sneak in some exercise while on vacay?
1. Definitely dragging around and carrying luggage. I remember in Ireland I walked from my Airbnb to the bus stop in the warm rain and I was soaked from both rain and sweat, phew! I also decided to walk from the little airport in Placencia to my Airbnb and that was another sweaty walk and that climate is hot and humid. Let's not even talk about my most recent trip to NYC when I visited during a 65/70 degree day decked out in all my winter gear plus luggage. Just try to walk anywhere you can really. It helps you see more of the area you're hanging out in and it gets an extra calorie burn so you can sample more of the local food too!!
2. Going to the beach! Between getting sweaty on your towel in the sun (yes I'm counting this as a workout, its my blog and I can do what I want) and swimming, you also have walking on the sand. What a leg workout, especially if you have beach accessories with you! Even just a chair, cooler, umbrella, and/or beach bag is enough to make the walk that much more difficult. If you're into volleyball or just playing catch, throwing a football, Frisbee, or that weird game with the Velcro disks that the ball sticks to is a great way to have a good time and not notice you're getting a workout in.
3. Airports! Running to your terminal or finding the right shuttle to get you to the right part of the airport can be super stressful and an invigorating workout!
4. Have a kiddo? If they're small enough to still be carried, pop them up on your shoulders or back while your walking or doing other activities. Your kids will love it and you'll get an extra calorie burn boost.
5. Take the stairs or the scenic route on your way to an activity, shop, restaurant, etc. Were you planning on walking, but taking a direct route? Go the longer way, bring a notebook, and write down stores or restaurants you'd want to visit later in your trip, or take photos of the storefronts. That's how I found out about both Kol, Geiri Smart, and Magic Ice while in Iceland!
6. Find a new activity and try it out. No sick waves to catch where you live? Try surfing, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, or canoeing. Always wanted to ride an ATV, or go dirt biking down some gnarly trails? What about sand boarding? Yoga on the beach or in the mountains? See what kind of cool things are available around you!
7. Find a fun event to participate in like a concert, live music, festival or other event where dancing is encouraged and hit the floor! I learned how to Bachata in Grenada, attended a Gorillaz concert in Ireland, danced at the local clubs/bars in Belize, and danced in our Airbnb in Iceland
Comments