Exercising On Vacation  

Take a vacation from stress – not fitness. Our Ottawa physiotherapists, chiropractors, and other sports medicine professionals help their clients develop individualized physical fitness routines. Some of those clients are recovering from musculoskeletal injuries or conditions, while others are looking for help in achieving their sport and fitness goals. Either way, adherence to a regular fitness regimen is essential for best results. Holidays are beneficial for a variety of reasons, but taking a break from fitness isn’t one of them. Add all those new foods and dishes you’ll be trying out, and it’s a recipe for a setback.

But, it doesn’t have to be. We’ve come up with some of the top – and most convenient – tips for sticking to your fitness goals no matter how far away from home you roam.                                           

• Opting for a hotel with good fitness facilities is the easy way to stay on track. When it’s located right where you stay, you can always find time to get in a workout.
• When you’ve found the perfect hotel with imperfect – or non-existent – fitness facilities, check for fitness clubs, YWCAs, and public pools nearby. Most offer inexpensive day or weekend passes.
• If your hotel pool is less than Olympic quality in terms of opportunities to swim laps, pool walking (ideally waist-deep or higher) makes for a challenging workout. Try five to 10 minutes of pool walking for every 20 minutes of sunbathing on the deck.
• If weather permits, a public park near your hotel is the perfect place for a run or brisk walking workout.
• A resistance band is your fitness travel friend. You can make virtually any space into a workout room by using a resistance band to exercise – even a dreary hotel room in a snowstorm. Be sure to learn how to use it properly for best results – our Ottawa physiotherapists or chiropractors can give you exercise advice tailored to your condition.
• Walk whenever you can – and take the long way. Explore your area on foot whenever you can, trying to keep up a brisk pace. Look for uphill routes, and other more difficult terrain to add to your fitness gains. This includes stairs – opt for stairs rather than the elevator to add towards your 10,000 steps a day goal.
• Take full advantage of all the opportunities that your location offers – like mountain climbing in the Rockies, water skiing in the Muskokas, scuba diving in the Maldives… The possibilities are endless. Taking part in an activity that challenges you physically to provide a good workout while allowing you a unique opportunity to experience what the area has to offer is a definite win-win situation.
• Dress for your destination – including the appropriate workout and/or running gear for the terrain and climate.

You may not be able to make 100 percent of your fitness goals for the whole vacation, but aim for at least half your usual time. If you need any advice on holiday activities and your physical condition, don’t hesitate to call or drop by one of our Ottawa physiotherapy and chiropractic clinics today.