Aug
15
Written by:
Tom Kalka
8/15/2006
Should you worry about exercising on vacation?
August is the biggest vacation month of the year. I know this because this is the time of the year that we at CFC receive the most requests for taking time off due to vacations. I am in fact taking a week of vacation myself. The question then is, "What should I do about my fitness routine during my vacation?" The sympathetic side of me wants to say, “Take the time off; vacations are a time to relax and enjoy yourself, guilt free." The fitness professional side of me wants to say, “Get outside and go for a run on that beautiful beach!"
So, what is the real answer? I would have to say that the correct answer is going to depend on the answer to a few questions:
#1. Have you actually been working out so that you look good on your vacation?
#2. What goal(s) are you striving for?
#3. Does exercise help you relax?
If the answer to #1 is yes, then sure, take the time off and enjoy yourself; actually, indulge yourself. You’ve been working hard and deserve to take some time off and enjoy life. You’ll find that if you take the time off, your body will spend the time recovering/ repairing itself and your brain will take a break as well. When you return ‘to the real world’, you will likely be more invigorated and passionate about your routine because of this stress free time off.
If the answer to #2 is a goal that surpasses the time that you are on vacation (i.e. you are training to run a marathon which is after you get back from vacation), then you better keep training! Your vacation workout doesn’t have to be as intense as something that you would do at home, but it should be enough to keep your muscles strong and maintain your cardio vascular stamina. A few beers or glasses a wine should not hinder you too much, but over indulging probably will. Gaining a couple of pounds because you are enjoying your meals and beverages should not be enough to throw off your hard work up to this point. You’ll be able to get back to it fast enough in time for your event.
#3. If you are like me, then exercise relaxes you and you actually need to exercise in order to enjoy your vacation. However, you might want to switch your routine and do something other than your normal training. If you typically lift weights, try taking a yoga class. If you like to run, try running on the beach, or renting a bicycle and going for a long ride. If you are one of our Outdoor Conditioning Clients, try swimming, either doing laps in the pool or going for an open water swim in the ocean!
Of course, vacations are time to do what you want to do. If all you want to do is eat, drink and be merry, then by all means do so. CFC will be here when you get back and we will be happy to help you get back on the wagon and work it all off!