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Do You Rent Bikes on Vacation?

FitSugar — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:00:07 -0700

It's the peak of tourist season in San Francisco, and the streets are full of adventurous travelers riding around on rented bikes. I admire people who want to stay active on vacation, and bicycling is a great way to explore a new city. Do you ever rent bikes while traveling?

Stay Fit by Packing These 8 Vacation Vitals

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:00:20 -0700

Just because you're traveling this Summer doesn't mean you have to leave your workouts behind. Pack some fitness gear and take it with you. Here are some things I have found that are small and lightweight, and will fit perfectly in your suitcase.

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Traveling? Go Sightrunning

FitSugar — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:10:07 -0700

When traveling to a new place, I'm sure you've been sightseeing before. Whether you're in a bus, train, or on foot, it's a great way to explore the new scenery. But why not combine the tourist and runner in you and go sightrunning instead? You'll see things you couldn't see while in a car, and you'll be able to cover more territory by running instead of walking. While on your run, you can mentally note cafes or stores you'd like to stop in later, or you can stop at places along the way whenever something piques your interest. If you're not sure where to go, many cities have companies that offer running tours. Not only will sightrunning allow you to get to know a new place, but it's also a surefire way to get in your workouts while on vacation.

How to Stay Healthy on Your Honeymoon

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0700

Even for the most fitness-minded among us, honeymooning and exercising aren't necessarily a match made in heaven. It's hard to get motivated to exercise on vacation, especially after your wedding. But just because you're ditching your gym routine doesn't mean you can't balance your relaxation and indulgence with some sensible habits. Here are some tips for staying healthy even when you're over the moon.

Schedule active activities. Probably the most obvious tip, but not to be forgotten. When planning your itinerary, consider tourism that will get you moving, whether it's a scenic hike or a bike tour. Staying beach-bound? Bring along some props, such as a Frisbee or paddleball set, which will engage you and your new mate.
Explore on foot. If you're vacationing in a city, forgo taxis and transit for walking. As long as you make sure to stick to safe areas, walking is a calorie-burning way to feel good about your vacation indulgences, and it's a great way to see a city too.

To see five more ideas, read more.

Choose indulgences carefully. Just because it's your honeymoon doesn't mean you should throw all caution to the wind. Think about what you most want to indulge in, and allow yourself one or two a day rather than pigging out every meal. Try to keep things in balance: if you have an extra piña colada at lunch, skip dessert at dinner.
Walk it off. Even if you're not seeing a city on foot, consider taking a 45-minute walk after particularly indulgent meals. Research suggests that walking right after a high-fat meal can help reverse potential damage to your arteries.
Explore the local bounty. Whether you're staying on a tropical island or in a European city, do some shopping at the neighborhood food markets. Picking up local produce, seafood, and other fresh foods will help you snack sensibly while experiencing local flavor.
Share your suppers. It's tempting to eat everything on your plate while on vacation, since you can't take the leftovers home. So split an entrée with your newlywed to save both money and calories.
Dine al fresco. If you're vacationing in a hot climate, eating outside may help you eat less. As opposed to being in AC, dining al fresco can make you crave more liquids and less food.

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6 Steps For Getting Back on Track After Vacation

FitSugar — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:00:00 -0700

With Winter behind us, Spring can be an excuse to take a break from our daily lives, and many of us are antsy to take much-deserved vacations. Lying on the beach, sipping margaritas, and dining out daily are entirely relaxing and make it easy to think, "I could get used to this." Break temptation to continue your leisurely vacation habits and get back on track to your normal healthy lives with these six steps.

Write down how many days you plan to exercise the first week back, but start slowly. After taking a long break from your regular workouts, begin with a less-intense workout than you'd usually do. You don't want to be so sore from day one that you have trouble moving the next day or two.
Create a meal plan for the week. Outline a healthy menu and make a list for what to buy at the grocery store. Go to the store ASAP - your refrigerator is likely empty because you've been away, so leave only a small window to reduce takeout temptation.
Revisit your health goals to motivate you. Write them down in your fitness and food journals, and take a peek whenever you need a little push.

To see three more steps, read more.

Sustain your vacation-friendly mental health habits. Escaping with a book for 30 minutes in the evening instead of turning on the TV is reminiscent of your time off and a healthier habit overall.
Continue putting on sunscreen every day. Just because you're not spending all day in the sun, it doesn't mean you're not exposed to harmful rays. Apply as part of your morning routine.
Do some Spring cleaning. You're already doing loads of laundry from your vacation, so why not up the ante and get your home in Spring condition?

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Fitness Gear You Can Fit in Your Suitcase

FitSugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:30:00 -0800

Just because you're traveling doesn't mean you have to give up your workouts. Here are some great ideas for gear that's lightweight and won't take up much room in your bag.

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Do You Exercise While on Vacation?

FitSugar — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 03:30:00 -0800

During the Winter months, many people get away from the cold weather and hit the beach and sunshine. Taking a Winter vacation is beneficial for your mental state and a great way to relieve stress. It's a time when you can do what you want to do, whether it be something adventurous like surfing or just reading a book by the pool. Working out may or may not be part of the equation, so I was wondering . . .

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To the Tropics For Scuba Diving or to a Snowy Mountain Resort?

FitSugar — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 02:00:00 -0800

As Winter drags on, I am having escapist fantasies. I am dreaming of a vacation that takes me out of my daily routine. Some days I think I'm ready for a week of scuba diving in the tropics. Other days, I am ready to head for the slopes for a week of skiing. A girl can dream, right?

I am curious about you. Would your dream vacation take you . . .

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Traveling Overseas: Check with the CDC

FitSugar — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:30:00 -0700

If you are planning a vacation overseas in the upcoming weeks or months, you should really check out the Center for Disease Control Travelers' website.

You can look up your country of destination and see what is going on health wise in the region. For example, there have been recent measles and mumps outbreaks in South East Asia. So if you are headed there you'll want to double check that all your vaccinations are in order. The Travelers' site offers a complete schedule of recommended vaccines for your travels, as well as health items you should pack, things like mosquito nets and iodine tablets.

I have found it better to be safe than sorry and that being prepared makes traveling less stressful.

Bon Voyage!

Take a Vacation Already

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 08:45:00 -0700

Have you taken a vacation lately? Americans receive, on the average, only 14 annual vacation days contrasted with 24 days in Great Britain, 26 days in Germany, 30 days in Spain and 36 days in France. Yet, on the average, Americans only take 12 days and that just makes me sad. If you earned those days why not take them. In fact taking a vacation is good for your physical as well as your mental/emotional health.

Most jobs mean stress, and stress is just not good for your health. Stress produces physiological changes in your bodies, including higher blood pressure and a surge in stress hormones, such as adrenaline, which can cause blood to clot and increase the risk of a heart attack. Convinced yet?

It's not clear whether vacations cause better health or whether they are just an indicator of healthier lifestyles. But taking time off does appear to have physical and mental benefits according to recent studies. Women who vacation frequently are less likely to become tense or depressed. Now are you convinced?

So go ahead, take a vacation already. Do it for your heart.

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