The modern lifestyle make it difficult to treat our bodies well. From lack of sleep to long hours sitting at a desk, to limited time for exercise and cooking healthy meals, it seems like life is working against us and our fitness goals. If you’re having difficulty finding time to treat your body right, have you ever considered going on a fitness vacation?
We use vacations to get away from the routine and stress of daily life – to relax and rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul. Improving our nutrition and fitness is one effective way to restore our energy levels and rejuvenate our bodies – and doing it on vacation affords us time that’s set aside exclusively to focus on ourselves.
The Benefits of a Fitness Vacation
Many of us keep saying we want to get in shape and make the fitness center a daily habit, but we just don’t have the time to focus on it. Fitness vacations make it a priority, giving you the perfect opportunity to kick-start your goals. Here are some other benefits:
- Losing weight is easier with the help and motivation of a group in a relaxed setting
- Following a fine-tuned nutrition plan (perhaps designed by a wellness expert) can kick-start healthier eating habits by “re-training” your tastebuds
- Learning about how to exercise with proper form and frequency and prepare nutritious meals are skills you can take back with you into daily life
- Find lifelong friends who share your goals and can continue to encourage you even after you leave the spa or resport
Types of Fitness Vacations
As the interest in using vacations for improving overall wellness continues to increase, we’ll probably see more and more fitness-focused venues and creative ways to practice purposeful relaxation. So far, here’s what’s out there:
- Detox destinations. These are designed specifically for improving digestion and specific health conditions. They focus on stricter diets and detox routines aimed to eliminate harmful substances and “reset” the body for better immunity and energy.
- Fitness boot camps. These are probably what came to mind when you first heard the term ‘fitness vacation.’ These camps are designed to be fun but challenging to help you whip your body into shape in a limited amount of time.
- Wellness spas. Think relaxing massages, Pilates, yoga, the mind-body connection, and programs designed to improve total-body mobility.
So, the next time you’re looking at vacation packages, consider one of these options. There’s also one more way to get in a fitness vacation – the kind you create yourself.
The Do-It-Yourself Fitness Vacation
You don’t have to go to a fancy resort with a weight-loss clinic or boot camp to have a fitness vacation. All it takes is a little planning. Many vacation destinations provide great opportunities for making healthier food choices (shopping an outdoor farmers market, smoothie shops, etc.) and getting exercise.
For instance, many beach destinations offer miles of boardwalks for biking, walking or running (not to mention swimming); mountain and woodland resorts cater to the outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and skiing; and, keep in mind that even budget hotels have fully-equipped fitness centers for you to use at any time.
The next time you plan a vacation, think about making it a fitness vacation. You’ll not only come back more rested, but with more strength and energy to tackle whatever life brings your way.