Keep Moving
I often tell clients that almost nobody takes a vacation to lose weight. When you’re away from home, it’s all too easy to forego your usual fitness routine, and the food and drink options are often plentiful.
On a recent cruise, a sign at the entrance to the fitness center said that the average cruise passenger gains 1-2 pound per day on a cruise. That ends up being 7 to 14 pounds on a 7 night cruise! And if you give in to temptation, you’ll most likely regret it when you get back home.
One question I sometimes get is, “how do you stay fit and avoid gaining weight when you’re traveling?” Here are a few tips that might help!
Hit the Fitness Center:
Pack your gym shoes, some workout clothes, and headphones so that you’re prepared to hit the gym. When checking in, ask about the location of the fitness center (almost every cruise ship and most hotels will have one). Take a quick peek on the way to your room to see what equipment it has so that you can plan accordingly.
Avoid Buffets:
If possible, eat at an a la carte restaurant (menu options), which will limit portions, reduce the temptation to over eat. Limit the number of courses you order, and perhaps share the appetizer(s) with your dinner companions.
If you have no choice but to eat at a buffet restaurant, fill your plate with some healthy options first and return for more only if you’re still hungry. Make smart choices about what to put on your plate, and skip the items that you know are going to leave you feeling poorly (pizza, fries, pastries, etc.)
Pass on the Desserts
When the server asks if you’d like to see the dessert menu, just say “no”, or limit yourself to a sweet bite or two. Split a dessert with your friend(s), or simply order a coffee with a small scoop of sorbet. If you don’t eat a big dessert every night at home, there’s no reason to do so when you’re traveling.
Take the Stairs
Whether you are at a hotel or on a cruise ship, avoid the elevator, and take the stairs whenever possible. It’s only a few extra steps, but they add up over the course of the day. At hotels, I often requests a room on the 3rd to 5th floor because I know that I’ll be able to take the stairs to and from my room and get some steps every time I leave or return to my room
Take a Hike, Bike, Walk, or Run
Commit to putting in some mileage and getting some fresh air. At a resort, go for a walk on the beach or find a fitness path that allows you to walk or run for at least 30 minutes. In a city center hotel, grab a coffee and head out to explore. Early morning may be the best time to do so, since foot traffic will be light, and the morning light is great for taking a few photographs.. If you’re lucky, you may find a market or food stand with fresh squeezed juices or fruits.
Swim or Exercise in the Pool
Many resorts have pool fitness classes of various kinds – zumba, pilates, yoga. Sign up for a class, and have some fun with the resort staff and the other guests.
Dance
Dancing is great exercise and great fun. Hit the floor and dance the night away! It’s a great way to spend time with friends, meet new people, or discover music that you like.
Try Something New
New destinations and surroundings are the perfect opportunity to try something new! Take a floating pool yoga class, try stand up paddle boarding, kayak, kite-board, or sign up for the spinning class. You may just find a new passion!
Contact Us
FNS Travel Group creates unique, memorable, and stress-free custom getaways to Europe, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Please call us at 1-855-557-5588, or visit us on the web for more information.
