Wyndham Wisdom

Keeping Fit While Traveling

When you're on vacation, there are snacks on the go, big family meals and tempting goodies at every turn. Just because you leave your gym behind while traveling, does not mean you have to neglect your fitness routine. Regardless of age or fitness level, there are many ways to stay active and healthy without much equipment or time.

• Walk around the resort - Walking is a great way to keep in shape as well as to take in the sights of the resort and surrounding areas. If it is too cold to head outside, look for local malls that have walking programs. You can window shop while exercising, and maybe get your shopping done before the crowds arrive. Malls open early each day and provide a climate-controlled course for walkers.
• Hit the pool - Many resorts offer an indoor or outdoor pool. In addition to vacation fun, the pool can be a great place to get in a low-impact workout. Try swimming a few laps. If you do not like to swim laps, try walking in the pool. The water increases resistance, making your walk more challenging.
• Bring your favorite fitness video - Workout videos are a great way to keep in shape. They offer workouts that cater to various fitness levels and exercise tastes. Many hotels and resorts offer a living area with a VCR or DVD player. Check with your resort prior to traveling to determine which technology is in your unit, and toss your favorite fitness video into your bag when you are packing.
• Other exercises in your unit or room - Pack resistance bands. You can use them for a great full-body workout. The best part is that the bands take up almost no space in your luggage. Another good in-room workout is yoga or mat pilates. Many moves can be done without a mat, and both yoga and pilates offer a relaxing way to stretch, unwind and refresh after an action-packed day.

These are just a few ways to help ensure that your time off from the everyday life does not have to mean that you're taking time off from you fitness routine as well. Just a few minutes a day can help you feel better and give you a jump start on the next fun activity that you have planned on your vacation! As always, please consult with your doctor before you begin any fitness routine.

This article was brought to you by Adventures Online, a Wyndham Vacation Ownership publication.