Exercise on Vacation? Yes!

I'm finally done with all of my summer vacations for this year. Sometimes, vacation doesn't seem like it when you've got an almost six year old along with you. However, we all know how easy it is to let fitness slide when we’re traveling. We want to eat all the good, and new to us foods, and relax. I learned that it's actually really easy to get some intensity minutes in while away from home just doing your regular vacay activities! Henry is always on the go (although, it looks like he's hunkered down in England right now. Awaiting the arrival of baby Cavill). His Instagram has several posts showing how he finds ways to stay fit while on the run. So, let's dive in!

In an interview with GQ, Henry went over some of his routine for exercise. He also discussed what is best to focus on while travelling:

Keeping healthy while you’re traveling is all about time management. It’s about making sure your mind is in the right place. It's very easy to beat yourself up for not training, but there's also a time where it's nice to let go of the discipline a little bit and just go: Okay, I need time for my brain to recover, rather than be under a strict regime at all times. And mental health is the key and traveling is just important.  - Henry Cavill Link to Article

Our man knows how to keep up with his mental health. Taking time for himself is an important part of his fitness routine. As I've discussed in previous posts, if you aren't mentally ready for fitness, it's going not going to be beneficial.

Here is how I kept my intensity minutes in check over three VERY different vacations this summer.

Visiting Relatives

I took my daughter and we flew to visit my mom. There was a key reason for this visit: help my mom clear out a bunch of things she wasn't sure what to do with. Super fun times... I know. My father passed a year and a half ago, and my mom hasn't been able to go through all of his things. It's hard to get rid of things when you really don't want to say goodbye.

My mom has two rather long staircases at her house. So, to get in some exercise while there, I did a lot of stair climbs. While I wasn't going super fast, it did provide cardio and muscle building for my legs. Add carrying heavy boxes up and down them, and I got a good workout several days in a row. Henry posted a video years ago of him being silly doing stair climbs while training for the Durell Challenge.

TIP for TRIPS: TAKE THE STAIRS! Ignore the elevator in that hotel where your room is on the third floor! Carry those suitcases and haul them up three flights of stairs! Skip the escalator at the airport and opt for the stairs.

Family Time at the Lake

My next trip took us to stay at a cabin near a beautiful lake in Oregon. This time, it was just my little family. During this trip we found ways to keep ourselves active, which is important for our kiddo. We did quite a bit of hiking on steep trails, did some swimming in the lake, explored the little towns around the area, and had fun dining with friends.

Swimming can be pretty low impact. Henry isn't a stranger to a good swim! He spent time rehabbing his knee in his pool. Many hotels have swimming options as well.

I adore hiking and taking time to explore a new area is always fun. You can up your cardio on vacation by finding a trail or two to tackle.

TIP for TRIPS: Explore the Local Area There are numerous ways to do this! Whether it's wandering through charming streets, hiking scenic trails, swimming through a lake, or cycling through the city, you'll burn some calories while seeing all the things!

In the same article from GQ, Henry mentions a good walk:

Walks are really nice if you don't have the energy for a morning run it's a really great way to start the day or just morning cardio. Nice to get out, out and about is good. Even if the weather is a bit grim. But walking, if you don't have the energy, it does create a wonderful rhythm which allows the brain to fall into a cycle. And for me walking is probably my premier way of problem solving.  -Henry Cavill

Beach Time

My last trip took us to the coast to spend time with more family. If your destination includes a beach, take advantage of it! We did several exploration trips to light houses, and also walked the beach. On one vacation/work trip that Henry took, he blessed us with this video of him getting his early morning fasted cardio in for the day.

TIP for TRIPS: Get out on the sand!

Walking or jogging on sand can add some resistance to your excursion, giving those legs and extra challenge. This goes especially for sand farther up the shore instead of the hard pack next to the ocean line. Find that loose sand and go for it!

Here are a few other trip tips!

1. If needed, try a hotel workout! Most hotels have small fitness center that you can utilize.

2. Going along with our lake and ocean trips, try some other water sports! Kayaking, rafting, paddleboarding, pedal boating, and more can get those calories burning!

3. On a vacation with friends or a special trip with your significant other? Get out and enjoy some night life! Dance like nobody is watching and get some exercise that doesn't feel like exercise!

Remember, staying active on vacation isn’t just about burning calories – it’s about feeling great and having the energy to make the most of your time away. So next time you’re traveling, give these tips a try and keep that heart pumping! Until next time, stay fit and have an awesome vacation!

Can't wait to see my fellow Cavill Challengers living their best lives!