Staying Healthy On Vacation

When we finally get to take a vacation, we often don't think about our workout regimens. Instead, we may imagine tiki drinks, all-you-can-eat buffets or drifting around on a pool floatie. We might even play Go-Go's 1982 song, "Vacation."

But no matter where you go or what you like to do on vacation, there are ways to have fun and be healthy. A good way to start is with these six tips.

1. Bring your workout with you. If you forgot your walking shoes and gym clothes, no problem! A whole host of exercises don't require equipment, and you can do them barefoot in your hotel room. Some ideas for equipment-less exercise include yoga, squats, pushups, crunches, lunges and planks. Next time, you may want to consider packing a resistance band since it doesn't take up much room.
2. Check out the amenities before you book your stay. Maybe there's no place like your home gym, but according to Condé Nast Traveler, 85% of American hotels have fitness centers. If you stay somewhere where the gym is not an option, consider swimming instead. Studies show that a 154-pound person can burn 223 calories through 30 minutes of recreational swimming.
3. Explore the location on foot or while biking. You want to see the sights, so why not kill two birds with one stone by walking or biking around your vacation destination? Walking can help a person who is 185 pounds burn 318 calories per hour, while biking can burn 672 calories.
4. Get plenty of sleep. Sleep experts say we should go to bed and wake up at the same time, even on weekends and vacations. That can be hard when trying to relax in a new place, but just follow the same sleep rules you would at home. Keep your room dark and cool, don't use electronics for at least 30 minutes before bed and try to get some movement at least an hour before bed. If hotel noises often keep you up, look into sleep aids like noise machines, sleep masks and earplugs.
5. Make healthy choices. One of the best parts of vacation is exploring the local cuisine. However, don't go overboard—especially on a ship. You don't have to enjoy the buffet until you bust at the seams. You can pack healthy snacks, aim for small portions and choose grilled dishes over fried choices.
6. Stay hydrated. When we're on vacation, we're often more active than usual. That's why drinking plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day is crucial, especially outdoors. By staying hydrated, we can avoid the side effects of being overheated, such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness and heatstroke.

In conclusion, staying healthy while on vacation doesn't have to be difficult. Following these six tips, you can still have fun and enjoy your trip while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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