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How to Stay Active and Healthy While Traveling

Whether you are on a business trip to Montreal, or on your long anticipated vacation to Hawaii, bringing along your active and healthy lifestyle is important in maintaining your motivation while making the most out of your vacation time. 

When you go on vacation, oftentimes you are leaving the stress and monotony of your daily life. However, that does not mean you should leave your health and wellness behind too. Pack your lifestyle and get ready for takeoff. From the airport to the ocean, here are some tips to stay active while traveling.

Make Exercise Part Of The Adventure

Regardless of where you go, there are many opportunities to walk around and explore. This could mean finding a small group walking tour of your vacation destination, or just grabbing a map and adventuring, there is never a shortage of places to see by foot. If you are in a place with hiking trails, find a trail within your level. No trails? Everywhere you go cities have many sightseeing opportunities. Grab a map and find a route to explore your vacation destination! You may just find great foods, people, and history to make that vacation amazing.

Just because you have a health and wellness routine, does not mean you have to miss out on vacation fun. There is always room for exercise just by tweaking your plans, and you won’t have to miss a thing. Remember your limits, and remember the importance of rest and recovery after vigorous exercise. Balance is key between choosing to relax and giving yourself a productive sightseeing adventure.

Take Advantage of Your Accommodation’s Amenities

If hiking or walking around town is not in the books, taking advantage of your hotels amenities can be just perfect for you. Most hotels offer a fitness centre or a full gym, and these facilities are clean and quiet and can be perfect for that weekend business trip, or taking advantage of a rainy day. Just one hour in the gym is all it takes, and it can be a great way to start the day off right, alongside some fresh hotel breakfast.

Complimentary Meals Can Be Healthy

Hotels with free breakfast offer a large variety of foods, from fresh fruits, to toast and pastries. Choosing healthy options will help you feel energized for your adventure, as well as your workout. Take advantage of the healthy options within your budget, and choose options that are recommended by your personal trainer, or by just choosing to stay away from sugary cereals and waffles.

Just be aware of varying social norms in different countries, and remember to respect the space the same as your usual gym back home.

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Use Jet Lag To Your Advantage

Jet lag can leave you feeling tired and sluggish, and can make the first few days in a new time zone difficult. Jet lag is the product of your body’s natural circadian rhythm being in conflict with a local time zone. Fortunately, If you are travelling far from home for an extended period of time, there are things you can do to give yourself the best possible experience, no matter the time zone.

Use Time Differences To Become A Morning Person

Depending where you travel, jet lag may make you wake up a few hours earlier than you intend to.Take advantage of this extra time for morning exercises in your hotel room, or hit a local gym for a morning pick-me-up.

A few days ahead of your trip, if you  are going to be travelling for an extended period of time, consider slowly adjusting your sleep routine. If you are traveling east, slowly go to bed earlier each night to adjust. If you are traveling west, push your bedtime gradually later on. By making these small adjustments, you can beat the worst of jet lag and feel great for your whole trip.

Make The Most Of Time In The Sun

Go out in the sun and do stretches or light physical activity such as a walk or bike ride to help keep your body awake. Remember to stay hydrated and be easy on yourself, rest is just as good for you as exercise. Avoid alcohol to avoid sleep disruption, and drink plenty of water to hydrate your body. Nourish yourself with protein rich foods to give your body energy to get through the day.

An image of a traditional Mexican breakfast dish: chilaquiles with egg, avocado and vegetables close-up on a plate.

Explore Healthy Local Cuisine

No matter where you travel, you can always find new foods and restaurants to try and expand your palette. While you are exploring new places, exploring new foods can be just as fun. Skip out on the fast food, and consider sampling local markets and restaurants with healthy options that fit your diet and lifestyle. 

Just make sure to be aware of  food contamination and follow food-safe protocols around fresh fruits, vegetables, and even tap water. Do your research before travelling to find local places you can trust to have the best experience without getting sick. 

Don’t forget to treat yourself too! Moderation is key and remember it is okay to treat yourself to that dessert, just don’t overdo it. 

Bring your Virtual Personal Trainer With You

Traditional personal training typically relies on following a consistent schedule, and going on vacation means potentially missed sessions and being unable to have that session with your trainer and keep up your fitness routine. 

By choosing a virtual personal trainer with First Class Personal Training, your personal trainer will become your travel buddy just by bringing along your laptop or tablet. By utilizing a stable WiFi connection on your laptop for a Zoom call, you can maintain your routine and accountability in becoming the best you. 

Make sure to note down your appointment time, and take into account the time zone change. 

Informing your personal trainer on your travel plans can give our trainers the ability to custom tailor your session to accommodate space, time, and even give nutritional advice for your local area! Contact First Class Personal Training today to schedule your free consultation

July 19, 2023