Back From Vacation, Back On Track

On the way home from vacation, I started thinking about what my workouts would look like when I returned and decided to go back to some tried and true exercises. This week I plan to do free weights, superset upper/lower body exercises, one vanity move and core. I will resume the cardio workout I had prior to going on vacation. This week I will focus on what I want my goals to be for 2009 and how to go about planning to accomplish them. I will use the SMART method (I will explain in my next post) and will probably do some type of program cycling otherwise know as periodization so I don't get bored. This may change throughout the year as I fine tune my programs to met my goals. As a reminder, I am at the maintenance stage of behavior change and now my focus is on keeping motivated and avoiding relapses.

Stick To It Tip #6

Your going into your second month and you think it would be getting easier, but it isn't. You need about 3-6 months of consistent workouts to really make it a habit. To help keep motivation up when your resolve diminishes, sign up for a race or competition that will occur in the next two months. This way you will have something to work toward and a specific deadline for this phase of your training. Additionally, it will give focus to your workouts.

Staying Active on Vacation

I am still in Florida and alas, the weather is not so good--sunny yes but cool temperatures and high winds don't make it beach weather. Despite that, I managed a 32 mile bike ride one day, a 8 mile hike another day and a couple of workouts at the resort fitness center. You have to be very adaptable because you can't just transfer your normal routine to a new and unknown gym. At the resort gym the cardio machines are different and their calibration is more sensitive. They have some of the same machines but the free weights are limited and there is no squat rack or pull up bar. So you make do and put together a make shift workout that hits all the major muscles but certainly doesn't replicate your usual workout. On vacation you are not looking to increase workout intensity just maintain what you have gained. I am also staying fairly true to my eating program with the exception of some alcohol but I keep my other simple carbs down throughout the day and my activity level has actually been higher this week. All in all not too bad. Luckily, my track record for vacations has been very good and most of the time I lose weight, not gain.

More Ideas On How To Stay Fit On Vacation

If you don't already have a strategy for maintaining your fitness, see what others have to say. Click on the article below for additional ideas.

Canadian Living : Health : Fitness : How to stay fit on vacation

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Staying Fit On Vacation

Traveling is always a challenge to those who want to stay healthy. I am visiting a friend in Florida this week and drove down in the course of two days (overnight camping). Because I didn't have any activity over those two days, I focused on eating right. In order to do so, I packed my cooler with food that was good for me and avoided the fast food temptation. In the evening at the campground, I did order out (pizza) but had a limited amount with a ton of salad. Luckily, where I am staying I have access to a fitness center for 3 days, walking trails, boogy boards, as well as bicycle rentals. So I plan to keep busy (as long as the weather permits) and continue to monitor my eating. I am also looking for a park/playground to do my "body weight" workouts when I don't have access to the fitness center. The only 2 days I need to preplan my eating is Superbowl Sunday and Thursday night wine tasting both events could lead to overeating. I hope we continue to have good weather but I have plans if the weather gets rainy.