5 Clever Ways to Stay Active During Staycations

After months of struggle, you’re finally able to launch a consistent exercise regimen. You’re doing great, visiting your gym regularly, counting your macros, but then you realize you have a staycation booked. Does this mean a vacation from your workouts? Now you’re wondering whether you can get back on track after a few days off. Don’t worry, you can stay active during staycations.

Taking a break might tempt you to skip out on your exercise routine. However, whether you’re a fitness buff or just a half-hearted “I-just-have-to-do-this” dabbler, there are many reasons you stick to your workout while on vacation.

Exercise begets energy – giving you more fuel to do fun staycation activities.

Workouts boost your mood, making your happy vacation selfies more authentic.

You won’t have to start from zero when you return.

Most hotels have gyms that allow you to remain committed to your workout plan, but you don’t need to run on a treadmill or lift barbells to stay active. There are many ways you can work up a sweat. Follow the steps below and you won’t have any excuses not to workout wherever you are.

Before you even pack, assess the context of your staycation. Do you live in a place near the beach? Is there a mountain nearby? Are you in a mall-filled metropolis? Many people think exercise constitutes a gym, but you can definitely be more creative. Dedicate a period during your stay to hike up that hill or kayak on the ocean. That shopping trip can also help you rack up steps.

If you want something more conventional, you can download fitness apps that you can follow in the comfort of your hotel room.

If you’re a regular gym rat, then you know that your body requires recovery to optimize your workouts. Plan your pace so this rest period falls on your staycation. Even exercise noobs need to take a break now and then so as not to burn out and injure themselves.

Unless you’re exceptionally committed, planning a mega-hardcore workout is unrealistic. Save that marathon till after your staycation and relax with an easy 5k instead. Don’t drive out for hours looking for a gym when you can do basic yoga in your room. Thirty minutes of physical activity daily is good enough for your heart – and don’t worry Jane Gym, it’s only for a few days. You can return to those heavy reps soon enough.

“Wala akong sapatos.” The number one excuse for shirking on workouts? No gear. So yes, pack trainers, a sports bra, and sweat-wicking apparel – anything you need for the workouts you planned for in Step 1. If you have room in your luggage, you can squeeze in lightweight equipment, such as resistance bands, mats, or weighted bangles.

By the way, some workouts, such as planks, squats, and burpees, require nothing except your commitment.

Don’t forget to tuck in a bottle of Rexona Vitamin + Bright Deodorant Spray Vit C + Anti-Stain in your bag. It not only takes care of sweat and odor but also brightens your underarms, giving you the full confidence to nail those staycation snaps.

Do you like to maximize hotel facilities? Then go ahead and spend hours at the hotel gym. Swim laps at the pool, play ping-pong at the rec center, or schedule a golf session. Check if the resort offers classes, such as water aerobics, yoga, or tennis camps.

Staying active also means supplementing your staycation workouts with proper nutrition – especially now that you might be cutting back on the intensity. Drink lots of fluids, preferably water, and eat well. You can give yourself a pass for enjoying a slice of cake or two. One trick you can practice is to time your meals. Designate a specific hour to enjoy whatever you want, but stay within that limit.

Whether you’re beachside or on staycation, follow these tips to stay active and on top of your fitness goals.