Training While Traveling
Memorial Day Weekend is around the corner, and (for those living in the Northeast) it’s the unofficial start of summer and the most popular season for traveling. You’ve been working hard on your fitness in preparation for some time off, but you’re afraid you’ll lose momentum in your progress while you’re away. Although you might take a quick break from your structured program, it doesn’t mean you’ll lose your strength and speed! Recovery is just as important as the work you already put in, and here are a few fun ways to incorporate active recovery into your holiday plans.
Do some planks and mobility work on the way to your destination. You’re bound to be stuck in traffic for a bit on these long weekends, so at every rest stop add some deep squats and quad stretches before getting back in the car. Planks, frog poses, and runner rotations are great at the airport when waiting to board your long flight. Shake off the stress as a warmup to your epic adventures.
Plan an active vacation. If you’re one to get bored sitting out in the sun all day long, maybe a beach vacation isn’t for you. One way to keep the momentum on your fitness journey is to plan ACTIVE-ities that involve movement. Hike the trail nearest to where you are staying. It doesn’t have to be Mount Everest; get out in nature for two hours while the rest of your crew is snoozing off their wine hangover. Rent a bicycle or run on the beach boardwalk at sunrise or sunset. Take a surfing lesson. Canoe down a river. Do a scavenger hunt in a foreign city to find the best confections and watch the steps and mileage tally up.
Participate in a local race. Choose a destination based on a popular 5k or half marathon. Make the race the main event of your travels, then explore the park or town over the next few days when you recover. There are companies such as Vacation Races that do just that. Plus, the event deadline entices you to act and actually sign up and take that trip!
Running away from a volcano in Iceland Summer 2019 (don’t be alarmed, it wasn’t active, but I was!)
Support a local fitness studio. On a lowkey day at your destination, drop in for a 45-minute class at a fitness boutique in the area. It’s a win-win because you get to try a different workout and the studio gets a little extra support while their own clientele is away. It doesn’t matter if it’s a CrossFit box to do the Murph or a Taylor Swift themed spin class, just check it out! Don’t forget to show a little love online with a 5-star review.
Play and rest. Play a pickup pickleball game or spike some volleyballs on the beach. Call out “Marco Polo” in the pool or attempt cartwheels in the sand. Commit to a few minutes or a few hours. You took a vacation to get some rest and relaxation, so have fun and don’t forget to chill out. Unplug from your devices, thoughts of work and other stress, and just enjoy the moment. A few days off from your rigid routine and training will make you stronger and perform better when you get back at it.
These tips are just a small piece of what I coach in my M.O.V.E. Method program. If you’re looking for a training program that allows you to attain your goals, enjoy life, and live #spontaneouslystrong, send me a message to get started!