Tips for staying on track while on vacation.

While on vacation there is likely going to be many more temptations than you are used to. It isn’t bad to indulge some while on vacation. It isn’t the occasional indulgence or the occasional missed workout that matters as consistency is key. Sometimes indulging actually helps you stay on track, especially if you PLAN FOR IT! So look at your schedule of events and see when you can be more in control and when you can’t.

You can eat a bit cleaner. You can cut out cheat days on weekends.  Boost your workout times from 30 to 60 minutes.  Add extra workout days and meal prep before you leave for your trip. This will give you a kick start for a balanced, healthy and fun vacation!

If you want to stay on track, you need to learn how to say “no”.  It is good to have goals. It isn’t something you should be embarrassed about. Saying, “no” to a treat if it isn’t something you really want or will only hold you back from accomplishing your goals isn’t a bad thing. Don't let peer pressure control you. You choose when you want to veer off your fitness plan. This way it won't get out of control.

In terms of a healthy lifestyle and developing healthy habits around a vacation, everything needs to be simple. Simple keeps us on track. Ask your trainer for some tips on quick home workouts that require no or little equipment. These short workouts may not be what you would do at Emery Fit with your trainer, but they will keep you on track and consistent.

Plan family excursions that will keep you moving during the day. Go hiking, kayaking and snorkeling. Go for a long walk on the beach with your teenagers or spouse. Not only will this give you special bonding time, you will get your heart rate up so you can go out to dinner and not have to worry as much about what you choose to eat.  Don't forget to drink your water!

Consistency is key. Balance is necessary. But perfection isn’t important. Sometimes we slip up and that is okay! We don’t let it define us, and we don’t use it as an excuse to keep slipping up. We chalk it up to experience and we get back on track.  

It's always good to make sure you have some small, simple daily and weekly goals to hit especially when you are on vacation. This helps make your long-term goals seem more manageable and gives you things to focus on every day so that you don’t become overwhelmed with achieving your goals

The simpler you can make these daily and weekly goals, the easier it will be to stay on track. Small changes add up to big results. Keep your goals simple, such as “I’ll drink more water”, “Today I will work out for 15minutes”, “Today I will hit 10,000 steps”. The smaller and more realistic the better. 

Most importantly, enjoy your time away! It is as important to take care of your mental health as it is your physical health. So rest and relax as much as you can. Enjoy the time spent with your friends and family because we don't get to go on vacation all the time.  We will be here when you get back!