Julie Sapper and Lisa Reichmann
WTOP Fitness Contributors
WASHINGTON — Taking a vacation this summer? Don’t forget to pack your workout gear. Exercising on vacation provides an opportunity to change up your normal workout routine, while offsetting some of those vacation indulgences.
The following tips can help you remain consistent with your workouts, regardless of your destination.
Try a new fitness class
Before your departure, check out all of the fitness opportunities offered at your vacation destination, and don’t shy away from something new. Many resorts offer classes as part of their daily schedules — from yoga to Zumba.
If you are taking a beach vacation, most beach towns host local boot camps or yoga classes that you can register for in advance.
The Outer Banks, for example, offers plenty of options for fitness-minded vacationers. Try Outer Banks Bootcamps and Duck Village Yoga, both of which offer single session classes on the beach. Near Ocean City, vacationers can enjoy a wide variety of hipAHA Beach classes offered on the Fenwick Island beaches on a daily basis throughout the summer.
Find a running or cycling tour group
Whether you’re traveling in the U.S. or internationally, chances are, you’ll find a run or bike tour. Within the country, City Running Tours offers guided outings to runners of all levels. Overseas, there are plenty of running and bike tours available in major European cities, including the very popular Fat Tire Bike Tours.
Run prepared
If you would rather skip the classes and go for a run, use Map My Run to plan out your running route. Then, send it to your travel companions before heading out.
If you are running a longer distance, consider running loops to ensure that are not too far from your starting point, in case you need to stop. You don’t want to unintentionally end up running more than you planned by taking a wrong turn on an unfamiliar route.
Research local running clubs or running stores, which can often provide information on regular group runs and safe running routes. You can find local running clubs across the U.S. on the Road Runners Club of America website.
Don’t forget to pack gear for outdoor running, including sport sunscreen, a water bottle and a visor. Avoid running on the sandy beach; instead use a path. Sure, running on the beach is scenic, but if you’re not accustomed to the sandy surface, you’ll risk an injury.
Race a new course
Spending time in your vacation destination gives you the opportunity to race in a different geographic area with different people. It also gives you the opportunity to see the city from a different viewpoint.
Many D.C.-area beaches host races on a weekly basis. Check out Seashore Striders for this summer’s race schedule at the Delaware beaches, or Running in the USA to find races listed by state.
Get active with the family
Vacation is the best time to try something new while staying active — especially if you are traveling with kids. Hiking, biking, rafting and paddle boarding are just a few vacation activities that work your body and keep everyone entertained.
Plus, these activities enable you to return to your regularly-scheduled exercise routine when you get back home — maybe you’ll even have a new hobby
Rest up
Vacation is a time for rest and recovery. Relax and know that it’s okay to miss some workouts. The roads and/or gym will be waiting for you when you arrive home.
Editor’s Note: Julie Sapper and Lisa Reichmann, certified running coaches, regionally ranked runners and co-founders of Run Farther & Faster, provide personalized group and individual coaching to runners of all levels throughout the D.C. area and beyond. Check out more of their tips on Facebook and Twitter @Runfartherfast.
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