(5/2025) Many people feel they don't have to exercise while they are on vacation. After all, vacation means having fun, going places we enjoy and not working. That's true but it doesn't mean not working out. So many of my clients tell me how they wished they had done some of their exercise routine while they were gone on vacation. They realize how not keeping up with their exercise makes them feel when they start back after a week or two of not doing anything. They tell me how much they feel their leg muscles or their chest and arms are achy after the first day or two of getting back to their routine.

I usually tell them to take some exercise bands along with them. The bands are light and can be put in their suitcase. Just doing a few exercises, you don't have to do the whole time you usually spend in the gym. Keeping those muscles active will help maintain the strength you have built up and keep the muscles from getting as achy when you get back to your routine. While many people take the advice to get and take the exercise bands along on vacation, they don't always use them. They see them everyday in the suitcase and think, oh yeah, I should do something with them, it doesn't usually go past the thinking about it stage. I know it's hard to stick to exercise when you are off somewhere having fun and seeing new places and trying new foods. You get busy and all of a sudden the day is over, you are tired and it's so easy to say, I'll do it tomorrow. Maybe keeping a little structure during vacation will make the transition to coming home, returning to work and getting back to our daily life a little easier. I know doing a little lifting and exercising will make getting back to your daily exercise routine a little easier.

Believe it or not, some people actually plan their vacation around getting some exercise. Many people like swimming, white water rafting, hiking, biking the trails, tennis or many other activities where they will get good, healthy exercise. If you are the outdoors enthusiast there are many vacation sites geared just for you. Do a little research and see what may be out there that spark your interest. Maybe you can find a spot that offers an activity that you have been thinking about trying or you may find a place that gives you a chance to explore things you ordinarily would not try or have time for in your everyday life. Who knows, that vacation adventure just may change your life in a wonderful way and get you into a healthier lifestyle.

If you are a person who prefers the indoors there are many activities that you can check out. Swimming indoor pools instead of the ocean or outdoor pools may be just the thing for you. Taking time to do laps may get you into a routine at your local gym or challenging others to a friendly competition may be what you need to get started. There are many other indoor activities like spin biking, racket ball, yoga, dancing and others that may be something you can take the time to try while on vacation. Many times we don't have or take the time out from daily work and family life to do some of the fun things we would like to. Finding the activities during vacation may just be the ticket to trying something new that you will incorporate into your daily life. All work and no play and fun time is not healthy and not fun. You may surprise yourself at how much better you feel physically, mentally and emotionally if you take a little time for yourself and have some fun time. It is also a great time to do things with your family and friends.

Don't get me wrong, I know vacations are suppose to be a time to rest, refresh and take it easy but you don't have to just lay around to do that. Vacations are also a time to get away and try new things and have fun. Maybe just give a little thought to how you could keep up some of your exercise routine while taking in the sun on that next vacation. I think you may surprise yourself at how much you enjoy it.

Remember to, Keep Moving, even just a little, you'll be glad you did.