If you’ve ever stayed in a hotel, you know that often, their gym set-up leaves a lot to be desired. While you may think of vacation as a time to take a vacation from exercise, that’s not the best mindset to have. When you’re committed to your health, you make sure to squeeze in a workout whenever possible.
Utilize what’s available
Most hotel gyms are equipped with a treadmill. Even if a treadmill is not your go-to form of cardio, it’s better to use that than to skip a workout altogether. Focus on doing a HIIT treadmill workout to erase stress and burn fat. Before your trip, call your hotel to find out what they have to offer regarding facilities, or find a local gym that offers a day pass for guests.
Jump in the pool
Many hotels offer an indoor swimming pool. Lap swimming is a great low-impact full-body workout with benefits ranging from better sleep to lower stress. Most pools keep one lane reserved for lap swimmers, so pack your swimsuit and goggles and find a swimming workout that feels suitable for your abilities.
Pick up the free weights
In addition to treadmills, most hotel gyms also have a standard set of free weights for hotel guests to use. Maybe you prefer cable machines for your strength workout, but you can get a full-body workout in with dumbells. While you may think of free weights as an arm-only workout, there are many ways to incorporate them into ab and leg exercises as well.
Go machine free
If worse comes to worse, and your hotel has no options regarding exercise equipment, rely on a bodyweight workout to get the job done. Use this as an opportunity to perfect your lunge and push-up form. Use your exercise time as a chance to explore the place you’re visiting; find a trail to hike or run, or take a brisk walk through downtown.
This vacation, don’t let the lack of state-of-the-art fitness center get you down. With these tips, you can still get an effective workout in even if you’re thousands of miles from home.