The summer holidays are in full swing and your fitness regime is slipping. StrongLikeMum founder, Shakira Akabusi, shares top tips: How to keep fit while travelling with little ones this summer.
Many people find that on holiday, exercise becomes less of a priority. This is particularly true for busy mums and dads travelling with kids in summer. So, Shakira Akabusi has compiled some handy exercise tips for those wanting to keep fit when travelling with kids this summer.
On holiday, relaxation is usually the top priority. This is especially the case when you have a big family. However, keeping fit when travelling isn’t just healthy, but also beneficial when trying to overcome jet-lag and a lack of energy.
Recent studies suggest that a person’s fitness levels can be affected after approximately 14 days of inactivity, so if you’re fortunate enough to have a long break away, here’s my 5 top tips for keeping fit on holiday.
Set yourself a goal
Having a goal in place is crucial to keeping you motivated and helps you stay on track. Having nothing to aim for can be demotivating, much like shooting an arrow without a target. When on holiday, try setting small achievable goals to keep you in an exercise routine. Ultimately holiday’s aren’t the time to push boundaries and set unrealistic targets, however a simple focus such as running 5km three times whilst away, will help to keep fit when travelling.
Allow time to adjust
This is based on first hand experience and not something backed up by science, however many people find that giving themselves 48 hours prior to their holiday to mentally prepare and decompress, helps to ease the start of their vacation. Try to pack and organise your trip at least two days before departure and use the rest of the time relaxing (aside from your usual work schedule) and get yourself in the frame of mind to switch off when away.
Similarly, I find that when travelling on holiday, it’s best to give your body a maximum of 48 hours to ‘recharge’ before engaging in exercise, in particular when travelling to a different time zone. Any longer then 48 hours and getting back into the routine of working-out can be challenging. Jet-lag can zap your energy, however getting your body back into an exercise routine is a great way to catch up with the time difference and set your body back on track.
Invest in some resistance bands
It’s not necessary to take equipment on holiday, however if you want to up the intensity of your workout’s whilst away, simple tools such as resistance bands are great to travel with. Light and compact they are easy to transport and can be used for bodyweight exercises or tied onto handles, doors or chairs to assist with a push/ pull exercise.
Plan your workouts ahead
Before your trip, try to have a look into local routes or locations where you might enjoy a workout or run. Having a plan in place helps to avoid procrastination and makes maintaining the routine easier. When planning a running route in heat, aim to find some shade along the way in order to give your body a chance to acclimatise to the new temperature.
Assess your energy levels
Let your body lead you. Exercise is meant to be fun and starting with a positive attitude is crucial. If you need to move a workout or take time off, listen to your body. A holiday is a rare occasion to leave your usual habits behind and that can include being strict with an exercise programme. Keeping active is important but so is rest and lets face it, holidays are for having fun! So make sure whenever you are exercising it’s because you want to and are enjoying the freedom of moving your body and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Read More:
- Exercise and Breastfeeding: Everything you Need to Know
- The Ultimate Summer Holiday Survival Guide
- Top Family-Friendly Holiday Destinations
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