Working out on vacation is a hot topic this time of year. And understandably, it’s also a source of considerable anxiety.
‘Cause I’ve known people who stress so much about training on holiday that they quite literally turn vacation upside down to find a gym. Or worse—choose not to go away at all.
So how do I approach this subject with clients?
Well, I hate to say it, but it depends:
* How long is the vacation?
* Are you traveling by plane or by car?
* Are you bringing the family?
* Is it even realistic that you’ll find a gym?
* Are you feeling beat up?
* When did you last have a week out of the gym?
* How consistent has your diet been recently?
* Is there a goal on the horizon?
* Do you NEED to work out to make good food choices?
* Do you love to train at new gyms but find it hard to stick to your program when you do?
… and many more considerations.
At the end of the day, diet and training are only successful if it is sustainable for the long haul. That means weaving them into the very fabric of your life.
And proper vacations are essential to your physical and mental well-being and your relationships.
So, if you’re trying to make this decision yourself, remember to take a big-picture perspective.
If you travel infrequently, train consistently, and control calories most of the year—it’s a no-brainer. Forget the gym and immerse yourself fully in the vacation.
The benefits of downtime and deep relaxation will far exceed what you’d get from trying to squeeze in some half-assed workouts while the wife and kids make fun memories without you.
On the other hand, if you’re a regular traveler and love to train on the road, finding a gym and/or getting in active movement is almost certainly a juice worth the squeeze.
Again, it’s about making diet and exercise a part of your lifestyle—and in this context—making time to workout fits the bill.
But if you’re unsure, err on the side of “complete rest”.
‘Cause no one ever felt worse or ruined a vacation by thoroughly enjoying themselves.
– Coach Bryan