Yes!! It’s Summer Vacation—Don’t Forget the FITNESS TRIANGLE
The weather is promising and a change of pace overdue. Being carefree while maintaining discipline is tricky—but there are lots of ways to vacation without recklessly derailing your fitness efforts.
Not disrupting your equilibrium is key. Remember the Fitness Triangle—fitness, nutrition, exercise and recovery. Vacations provide opportunity for all three. Sleep, physical activity and wholesome foods are as essential during vacation as every other day.
Rest or relaxation is simple. Sit on the beach. Read at the lake—rejuvenate both mind and body. Sit still. Absorb the warmth of the sun. Feel a gentle breeze. Dip your toes in the water, then spend time playing in the water. Avoid mindless snacking. Re-entry into your regular routine will feel better, thwarting post-vacation remorse.
Sight-seeing and entertainment stimulate your brain differently than a work day. These vacations may not require a lot of physical activity, yet you can get significant amount walking or standing for long periods. Exert energy clapping and singing! Some activity is better than none. Dance like no one is watching! Don’t forget rest, but not too much. The same goes for food. Enjoy featured fares just don’t overdo it.
Super-adventure vacations are for the thrill of achievement. To safely enjoy, it takes dedication and preparation. Discipline and skill require diligence to protect your equilibrium. It may take more brainpower for focus than for the physical activity. Rest and recovery are vital. These activities may increase metabolism requiring a higher nutritional intake. You may need a vacation from this vacation!
Recreation vacations most likely meet or exceed healthy physical activity requirements. It’s a nice way to spend free time because it’s in a form that you enjoy, giving you a satisfied sense of wellbeing. A mild increase in both nutritional intake and rest are important to sustain and recover—both of which you’ll enjoy!
Don’t forget the staycation enjoying your favorite things right at home. You don’t have to adhere to routine, or step too far from a familiar schedule that may throw you off balance. Linger over your coffee, hike a local trail, wander through a park, nap, or prepare a delicious meal. There’s no travel fatigue, no sleeping in strange accommodations. Be active, eat sensibly, and then find the ice cream shop! Ice cream should be part of all vacations!
Lastly, don’t let summer heat and humidity get the best of you. No matter how you vacation, stay hydrated!
Have a wonderful summer vacation!
