How's That Vacation Shaping Up?

For my last vacation, the April trip to Disney, staying on a workout schedule wasn't too big of an issue. Covering the vast Disney empire on foot ensures that one gets a pretty decent cardio workout, and even with the rich and calorie-intensive food they offer in the house of the Mouse, keeping the extra pounds at bay is fairly easy with all the walking. When we went down last year, the Mrs. was keeping a log of all her walking for a fitness goal, and had a pedometer on for our forays to the Magic Kingdom.

We walked at least five miles every day.

Needless to say, I made no effort to work out any more than that when we went to Disney. This trip isn't quite as intensive as Disney, although hardly lethargic. I'm bringing my running shoes and my bicycle - there's a 7½ mile access road along the canal that's closed to all vehicular traffic that is simply perfect for jogging or biking, and I've made it a point to start my day by biking the length of it or running a good chunk of it. It's an easy routine that means getting up about an hour before the rest of the family - simply because if I leave after the kids have woken up, I wind up with someone tagging along. As much as I love having my kids with me, they really cut into my peak heartrate time... :)

Exercising on vacation is often even easier than exercising at home. Most hotels have some sort of fitness center even if it is just a treadmill and a stationary bike, and a good number have indoor pools for a few laps. If your vacations take you to touristy places, there are often walking or self-guided tours of the attractions; obviously the usual caveats apply about walking alone in a foreign place and being aware of your surroundings. There are plenty of options available if you have the motivation to get out and get moving even on holiday.

There's no need to let keeping in shape stay back home with the answering machine and the local newspaper.

That is all.