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One thing I loved about traveling aboard a cruise ship is the FOOD! Not only does one need to workout before an upcoming vacation, but making smart choices while traveling is a must. I utilized the stairs whenever possible and found myself taking strolls in the early morning to burn a few extra calories. If you are going to eat the gourmet dinners aboard a cruise ship then making smart choices can help trim some unnecessary calories.
While aboard Carnival Cruise Lines – Carnival Dream my family & I were treated with skillfully crafted menus everyday. Although I felt a small amount guilt eating the decadent menu, I knew that doing exercise throughout the day allowed me to carve out a few calories so I can enjoy the perks of being on a cruise ship and on vacation. Today I am sharing a few tips that can help keep your family fit while traveling.
Traveling with family can be at times, a stressful situation. There are so many things to focus on that the basics can easily be forgotten. When you sit cramped up in a car for long stretches of time, you can become cramped and uncomfortable. Very long trips can even affect your fitness levels.
Traveling is stressful on the body as well as the mind so it is very important to get in some good exercise along the way. This will help you to stay alert, help them to stay stretched out and the family as a whole will stay in better shape.
Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your family moving and healthy, even on the road. Here are some tips for exercising and family fitness while traveling:
Keep the Water Flowing
The number one thing you can do to stay fit and comfortable on a long trip is to stay hydrated. You should keep plenty of water on hand and regularly drink. This keeps your body energized and your mind sharp and clear. Water is a miracle that should be enjoyed with regularity.
Mark Down Local Parks and Trails
If you are hitting the open road for a long period of time, you need to map out your route. As you do so, make note of your stopping points. You can do this around local parks and trails and get in your exercise in that way. This will energize you for the drive and help your family loosen up those joints from riding. Getting in a beautiful hour or so at a beautiful location is a bonus!
Keep Equipment in the Car
If you think ahead before you leave, you can keep a few exercise items in the car for the trip. Bring along a jump rope, stretch bands and some hand weights to get in a quick workout whenever you please. Having this stuff on hand helps to remind you as well. Grab a momentary workout or two whenever you stop for lunch or to stretch the legs.
Learn Car Stretching Routines
In addition to the things mentioned already, you can actually get a nice stretch or exercise in on the road. Sitting for long periods of time can be tough on the body. To help mitigate this, take the time to stretch every now and then. Reach your arms behind your head and pull with your other arm. Rotate your neck and flex and loosen the muscles in all directions. Pick up your heels and push them down alternately for a nice calf stretch. There are countless ways to stretch…even in the car.
Learn to Use Your Own Bodyweight for Resistance Exercises
If you have no equipment in the car, you can still get a great workout when you stop for stretching or a snack. Bodyweight exercises are things like pushups, situps and things of that nature. This is where you use your bodyweight to give resistance to other muscles. These exercises are just as powerful and helpful to your family as exercises with weights. You simply have to take the time to do them.
How to Keep Your Family Fit When Traveling? #BayouTravel
These are great tips! I need to remember to drink more water while traveling and vacationing. I also find that I drink more calories than I would on a normal basis.
Lots of pit stops! My family went to the beach over the summer and it was a pretty long drive on the way down we stopped at a park and took a little stroll it was a nice break in-between driving and also gave us a chance to stretch our legs.
Great tips for keeping family fit while traveling. I love the one on the car stretching. Thanks for sharing.
What a great post! I’ve never been on a cruise, sniff, sniff but I would love all the food options. Love the tips.
When I went on my first cruise as a college student, I was amazed at how much weight I lost during the trip. I was super active and walking everywhere. I did rock climbing. Our breakfasts were light and flavorful every morning.
Shoot ~ Maybe I need to go on another cruise to drop some lbs!
This is a huge issue for us. We love exploring all the good restaurants an area has but then we feel rather sluggish and blah! Finding balance in our meals and getting some exercise is important when traveling!
I can so easily gain a lot of weight when traveling, but them I’m terrible at drinking water while on vacation. I need to remember this for next time.
These are great tips! I never drink enough water while traveling, yet it is so important.
I never would’ve thought to exercise on a cruise because you are constantly moving, but like you pointed out there is all that food. On any trip I make the kids drink one bottle of water before any juices or soda, especially soda because they drink less of it that way.