But on a recent week-long trip to the beaches of New Jersey, I couldn't contemplate drinking alcohol, eating tons of carbs and fatty foods and not working out for a week. I told myself that I would eat as many freshly baked apple cider doughnuts, pork roll and cheese sandwiches, french fries and blueberry pancakes as I wanted, as long as I didn't neglect my workout regimen. Considering that I pretty much never eat any of those foods, I thought the best workout approach for the week would be cardio-focused to burn off all the incredible amount of calories I planned to eat.
My plan? Running on the beach each morning before the sun was too high in the sky. Though I don't typically enjoy running, running on the beach in the morning was the best thing I could have done. It was beautiful, the sun was rising and there was a nice breeze coming off of the ocean. Even though my heart was pumping and my muscles were sore after my first day, it didn't really feel like a workout.
I would track my distance by the lifeguard stands, which adorned the street number. At the end of my run, I would do planks, push ups and dips on a lifeguard stand.
Running on the beach each morning was so zen and I totally suggest you try it out on your next vacation. And no need for an Ipod, the waves crashing was a much better workout soundtrack.