How can you maintain your exercise program while on vacation ? For many people, maintaining an exercise program during a family vacation can be challenging. But with planning ahead and the right mental attitude – you can not only maintain your exercise program but you can also lose weight ! One of my clients did just that – she maintained strength training exercise during her European vacation and she lost pounds!

One of my clients had a family vacation scheduled in the summer and was concerned that her vacation may impede her progress. While training with me, she broke her plateau and lost inches - she wanted to continue her progress while vacationing in Europe. So, I developed a 'Vacation Strategy " and developed our motto – "Nothing will stop me ".

First, I recommended purchasing a set of stretch tubes. Stretch tubes are excellent for travel. They are lightweight – weigh less than five pounds and portable – fit very well in the suit case. Most tubing manufactures make several levels of resistance: the thicker the tube the more the resistance. Stretch tubing offers a means of strength training that emphasizes both eccentric and concentric contraction of the muscles. In other words, while working with stretch tubes, resistance is emphasize both in the beginning phase of the exercise and the return phase of the exercise. You can get a fat burning workout with tubes.

Here is the Traveling Strategy that I developed for my client:

1. Develop a stretch tube workout. Learn a workout with stretch tubes before going on vacation. I taught my client a total body workout that toned her upper and lower body. She took notes during our training sessions on the proper technique and resistance level.
2. Plan your exercise program ahead of time. Be very clear on the number of times you plan to workout while on vacation and the number of sets and repetition. Example – On vacation I will complete 4 days of strength training with 2 sets of each exercise and 15 repetitions.
3. Use a travel checklist for exercise. Make sure you bring the proper attire for physical activity. Sneakers and comfortable clothing.
4. Tell your family and friends your exercise plan. Let them know that you are committed to follow your exercise program while on vacation. Make sure that they are on board….And who knows you just might inspire them to exercise with you!
5. Pack the right mental attitude. Yes, vacations are meant to be fun and relaxing ! And so is exercising !

To learn an effective program, consider a phone session or local one-on-one session with Petra.