Last month I went on an all inclusive vacation to Cuba. I couldn’t wait to relax and eat as much as possible. I had been so busy with Nature Fitness that I was starting to get worn out. I think it’s important to know when you’ve had enough and when taking time to care for yourself is more important. People tend to take vacations when they absolutely can’t take any more stress or when that passion for everyday life seems to be missing. I know this was the case for me.
Before leaving for Cuba I remember a couple I train telling me about how much they exercised when on vacation. At first I thought “that’s nice but I’ll stick to relaxing and eating” but after taking some time to think about what they said I finally came to the conclusion that vacations only work if you choose to be active and healthy. Think about it. Most young people who go on all inclusive vacations just want to take advantage of the unlimited alcohol, while older adults would rather sit around the pool or the beach and plan their day based on the next meal. Essentially you’re paying to consume excessive amounts of alcohol and food for one week. I can’t imagine most people come back as rejuvenated as they could be but hey! at least that tan will look good for the next few weeks.
What would happen if you decide that your vacation would be about sleeping eight hours each night, eating healthy, exercising daily (because you have no excuse), and taking time to learn something new? I know exactly what happens because I did all of the above and even managed to finish a book. I had the most vivid dreams and woke up mentally refreshed. I stuck to eating healthy and had great levels of energy throughout the day, even i n the heat. My TRX Strap helped me stay out of a gym and on the beach, which eventually helped me make a few friends. Finally, learning about myself through reading was by far the most rewarding experience as it really did help me understand how to better deal with stress.
On the flight home I remember telling myself how much better I felt and how proud I was for accomplishing what I set out to do. I was keen to be back in the city working on Nature Fitness and my attitude towards everyday life was back where it should have been.
I highly recommend choosing your overall health when on a vacation. The benefits will be whatever you wish them to be because life on a resort can’t get any easier. Ask yourself the next time you go away “will this vacation actually help me feel rejuvenated?”.
Below are some pictures of a couple exercises I enjoyed while on the beach: TRX rows and jump squats in the sand. Add in a variety of push ups and you have yourself a full body workout!
