If you live in Canada as I do, your winters are a little chilly to say the least. We as Canadians welcome our beautiful summers and often head off to the lake on our precious weekends during this short season.
Regardless of where it is you live and when you take your holidays, maintaining your exercise program during this time can be challenging!
I’m going to share with you what’s worked for me and what I encourage my clients to do when they leave the office behind whether for work travel or holiday time so their fitness level doesn’t take a dive.
- Commit to 10 minutes as a non-negotiable. I do this all the time on my weekends at the lake when I am sitting in our cabana and the last thing I feel like doing is going for a run. I tell myself “give it 10 minutes”, then I lace up my runners and head out. Often I will end up running anywhere from 5-6 miles as once I get past that uncomfortable feeling and the endorphins kick in I don’t want to stop!
- Give yourself a half hour each day to move. If it turns into more fantastic, but at least commit to 30 minutes. Get outside for a walk, hike, jog, cycle or rollerblade! Anything that will get your heart rate elevated for a period of time.
- Use your body as your weight. You have a built in gym with your body weight alone! Push ups, sit ups, planks, side planks, burpees, mountain climbers, inch worms, back extensions and so much more! Here’s a sample program that will take you literally 10 minutes to do and incorporates both cardio and strength.
30 seconds of each exercise interspersed with burpees (you can change the burpee to skipping or jogging) ! Set a timer and go!
30 sec. Push ups
5 Burpees
30 sec. Sit ups
5 Burpees
30 sec . Squats
5 Burpees
30 sec. Plank
5 Burpees
30 sec. Tricep Dips
5 Burpees
If you feel like you want to challenge yourself even more you can add a second or third round! You will not regret it as this is a high calorie burner and will leave you sweaty!
I really hopes this helps you stay active while on vacation… I know it’s worked great for me!
Kathryn
P.S. If you haven’t yet joined my Fit Over Forty Forum for women you can hop over to facebook right here for great daily tips, workouts and more!
P.P.S. Have you downloaded my 10 Simple Steps to a Leaner Healthier You ebook? If not check it out on my website here.
