You have been looking forward to your vacation all year and finally the time has arrived. You can’t wait to relax, take in some sights and forget about your worries for a while. The coming holiday sparks feelings of excitement and perhaps a little dread. At the back of your mind, you are worried that you’re not in great shape and you won’t look your best in your holiday clothes.
While it is understandable for you to be apprehensive about baring limbs and body parts that have been covered up for the better part of the year, don’t let it stress you out too much. You will need to be in good shape, especially if your vacation will involve lots of physical activity such as hiking, diving, surfing etc. Being fit will allow you to participate to your heart’s content without getting fatigued. Additionally, a fit body looks good in beachwear and you’ll be comfortable showing off.
However, be careful not to get too caught up in seeking the perfect beach body. Take steps to prepare for your upcoming holiday but don’t go overboard. Keep in mind that the more physically demanding your vacation schedule is, the more preparation you’ll need.
Getting in shape
You can easily and quickly get in shape for your holiday by doing enough exercise and watching your diet.
- Exercise
The key to getting enough exercise for your body is to find out what works for you. Start with fixing a suitable routine and stick to it. Experts advise against working out the same body parts on consecutive days so switch things up daily. Exercise your arms and tummy one day, legs and bum the next. This makes it easy for you to work out your whole body.
Aim to spend at least half an hour exercising every day, increasing the time as you go along. For a more toned physique, accumulate lots of daily activities including cycling, jogging, gardening and walking. Include planks, sit-ups, lunges and squats in your exercise regimen for best results. You can also do yoga, aerobics and other cardio activities to get your blood pumping. You can decide to work out at the gym or at home, the choice is yours
As you exercise, some parts of your body are more prone to injury than others (e.g. the knees, back, ankles, wrists etc.). Ensure you use suitable compression clothing to protect and support your joints and muscles. For instance, compression knee sleeves will provide adequate support for the knees while a compression core band will do the same for your back. Also make sure you don’t overexert yourself.
- Diet
If you want to get in shape and stay healthy, watch what you eat. Eat a balanced diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables as well as proteins. While you can cut back on the amount of carbohydrates you take, ensure that you don’t eliminate them altogether. A good strategy to ward off hunger pangs is to take several smaller meals throughout the day instead of the traditional three large meals.
It is also important to stay hydrated during the day. Aim to take at least six to eight glasses of water daily, in addition to other beverages such as fruit juices, tea and coffee. You might want to reduce your intake of soft drinks and alcohol as you try to get in shape. The same goes for unhealthy junk food and processed meals.
Staying fit on vacation
The good health habits you develop during your pre-holiday workout should be continued during your vacation. Instead of lazing around the whole day, try and include some fun activities in your itinerary. This might include swimming, scuba diving, hiking and exploring new sights. Most hotels have gyms, health clubs and fitness classes that you can join to get a workout while on holiday. Taking part in these activities helps you to maintain that fabulous body you worked so hard to achieve.
Also pay attention to what you eat. It is easy to get carried away and splurge on all the goodies you want during your vacation but don’t overdo it. Eat in moderation and try to include local fruits and vegetables in your diet. Regardless of the environment you travel to, stay hydrated and drink enough fluids. You can get dehydrated in cold climes just as easily as you would in hot, dry places so wherever you go, make water your best friend.
At the end of the day, remember that you are on vacation and you are meant to enjoy yourself. Give yourself permission to relax and have the time of your life.
