Workouts on a Budget
Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘Use What You Were Given’? Many travelers don’t realize the equipment they have at their disposal so my guest blogger, Art McDonald, Certified Exercise Physiologist (CESP), is going to provide you with some basic tools and workouts to maintain your fitness level while away from home.
To the Beach!
Running at sunrise on Myrtle Beach
As an avid runner for over 30 years, beach running is still one of my favourite workouts while traveling. Running on the beach can be so exhilarating as you make your way down on an open stretch of sand while the crashing of the waves race up towards you. Taking a break from the treadmill while traveling can not only rejuvenate you but also let your body experience a completely different type of surface to run on. Art McDonald comments that “whether your heart rate is 150 bpm running at 6 mph on the safety of your home treadmill or 150 bpm doing a light jog on the beaches of Hawaii, the calories and cardio-vascular benefit are eerily similar.”
Relaxing by the Pool?
- Art checking out the hotel pool in Santiago, Chile
Looking to take a little break from sun tanning? Did you know that you can run in the pool and still expend a significant amount of calories? If the hotel provides running belts, strap on a belt and get your arms and legs moving in the deep end. The level of your workout can vary depending on your technique. Art adds “the water provides more resistance than air so even jogging in the pool can be extremely beneficial. Art also suggests that “laps are fantastic or try an aqua fitness class if the resort or hotel provide them.”
No Time for the Gym?
Art comments “you can maintain your muscle tone in just a few minutes per day. Next to your passport and toothbrush, the most important article that needs to be packed may in fact be your exertube. For just 10 or 15 dollars, you can purchase a tube that will take care of all your strength maintenance needs. It weighs only a few ounces and will take up very little room in your suitcase. You can mimic your bicep curls, triceps extensions, squats, lateral raises and almost any other traditional fitness center workout with the tube. Doing a quick circuit (one exercise immediately after another) can provide you with the opportunity to maintain strength while on vacation in just 10 minutes every other day, otherwise you’ll need to do more catching up when you return back home and that can be very de-motivating.”
Active Getaways?
- Art & I white water rafting in Costa Rica
The popularity of active vacations is increasing each year as consumers are looking for a combination of a relaxing holiday mixed with a little activity. Art’s mentions that “for those participating in an extremely active vacation that involve some higher heart rates and or taxing on the body on many levels, you probably don’t need to participate in any structured workouts. Your body will maintain its fitness level by being used while you’re away and perhaps be much better off because of the informally implemented cross training.” He also suggests that “activities like hiking, biking, swimming, zip-lining, and exploring caves will cover off any of your workouts.”
Last words from Art………….
You don’t need to be as objective as you may be when you’re at home with a regimented routine. Have fun with it, get a bead of sweat on your forehead for a half an hour or so and you’re covered. Unless you are taking a 6 month vacation, this approach will keep you covered until you return home to your more regimented routine and you won’t have to spend the first two weeks losing the weight that you gained while on vacation and getting the heart back to your pre-trip condition.
Stay fit & happy travels…………………….
