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Fitness for Travelers
Exercise on the Go!
By Charlene Torkelson
Although trips are a way to relax, relaxing doesn't necessarily mean being inactive. Sitting, lying in the sun and just plain doing nothing may be great for some of the time you are away, but your body will feel much better when some fitness activities are added to your daily schedule of "doing nothing." Take the time to walk, run, swim, play tennis, golf, snorkel, lift a few weights or take a yoga class. All are great ways to relax and enjoy your vacation. Before doing any strenuous exercise you may not be used to, make sure you take the time to stretch. Simply reaching up with your arms and alternately reaching right then left is a great warm up.
Stretch your wrists before tennis or golf. Place your left hand on top of your right hand, and press the right hand down toward your wrist for a good stretch. Now place the left palm on the right palm and press the right hand back toward the back of the wrist. Repeat using the right hand to stretch out the left wrist. Stretch out your calves by holding on to a railing or piece of furniture (palm tree perhaps?) and rise up to your toes and lower again.
Now this is the most important step – have fun. Make fitness an enjoyable activity and not a chore. If you dread exercise, then find something active that you do enjoy. After all, that is what a vacation is for – to relax and have fun. You will feel great!