If you intend to take a vacation this summer, now is the time to start planning. If your vacation will involve activities like hiking, cycling or swimming, you also need to make sure you are ready for that level of activity. Even sightseeing and visiting theme parks can require far more activity than most people are accustomed to.
Unfortunately, many people find out the hard way – sore feet and achy legs, for example – that they weren’t prepared. The good news is that regular exercise now can prepare you for your next vacation so you can focus on having fun.
There is good reason to choose an active vacation. Spending time outdoors can reduce stress and walking on the beach or snorkeling in the ocean seems like fun, not exercise. The result is that being active on your vacation adds to the restorative effect of taking time away from your usual routine. In one study, people who had a physically active vacation reported that they felt mentally and physically fitter, felt more balanced and relaxed, could concentrate better during work, were in a better mood, and felt more recuperated than those who took it easy.
Even if you don’t choose a vacation to participate in a specific exercise, you will likely spend time being active. At the very least, you will be on your feet a lot more than usual.
It is not uncommon for visitors to Disney World to be on their feet for 12 hours and walk 10 to 15 miles in a single day. Most people don’t do that much walking in a typical week! This can lead to blisters, muscle soreness, and fatigue, limiting what you can do and, at the very least, making your time less enjoyable.
If you spend much of your time sitting at work and home, you should try sit less and spend more time standing and moving around. This will help you get ready for long days on your feet. If your vacation will include cycling, hiking, or other vigorous exercise, you should try to build up your endurance through longer exercise sessions. And be sure to break in new hiking or walking shoes before your trip!…Read more by By Dr. Brian B. Parr Columnist
