Two weeks ago I embarked on my first vacation in years. Prior to this, work, graduate school, and being a new mom had engulfed my life. I was finally forced to take time off to attend a wedding in Jamaica. (Shout out to obligatory family functions that force you to take a much-needed break). I honestly don’t think I would have booked a trip to Jamaica otherwise. Unfortunately, I could not take my KB ☹ The amazing resort had a no kids policy. Boo to them, but again, forced me into having a mom-cation. My Mom-cation was AWESOME and I wish every mom had an opportunity to take them.

For many people vacation means an escape from everything and giving into complete and total leisure. It also means avoiding things that cause discomfort and effort. Exercise can easily fall on the list of leisurely things that cause discomfort and effort. lol. For these reasons many people avoid exercising during their vacation; which is understandable.

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You might be rolling your eyes at me for promoting exercise during vacation. Yes, it’s your time. AND you can do whatever you want with it! But take a minute and hear out my pitch!

First give yourself some brownie points for the exercise you typically get while getting to your destination. Lifting and lugging heavy suitcases to the airport. Running like a madwoman to check-in before the gates close. Swimming at the pool. Walking from one location to the next. All the steps you put in during tours and excursions. It ALL counts as weightlifting and cardio. Hurray for us!

Now just keep the momentum going because you now have a little more time than usual. Your workload is reduced. Your kids are back at home or there might be family around to help. And hopefully your job isn’t calling. So you have more free time in your schedule to fit in a little work-out routine.

There’s also no timer on your session!

There’s no pending appointment hanging over your head. Dinner doesn’t need to be made at 6:00pm. Your kid won’t be calling for help or attention after 10 minutes of self-play. You can stay for as long (or little) as you want. I typically like to stay at the gym for two hours but my vacation sessions are usually 45 minutes to one hour.

You can also rest after!

Taking a nice long nap is my favorite thing to do after a workout. Sleep feels so amazing when your body is tired. This is even better during vacation when you can nap on the beach, near the pool, or in the pool.

You may feel less guilty for indulging

All-inclusive resorts are both heaven and hell. There’s something about free food that people can’t resist. And by people, I mean ME! I must confess to eating two servings of jerk pork, jerk chicken, and/or oxtail every day. Yes, EVERY SINGLE DAY. I typically don’t drink alcohol but couldn’t resist the unlimited pina coladas. I had about 2-3 of those per day. EEK! Working out 3 out of 4 vacation days made me feel much better about having this much gluttony. Maintaining weight is the strategy here.

Last but not least, you have great scenery.

Take a minute to close your eyes and picture yourself doing a quick yoga session on the balcony of your five-star hotel, overlooking the ocean. Doesn’t that sound peaceful? How about a nice run on a sandy beach at sunrise? Planning excursions like hiking, zip-lining, and snorkeling also incorporate fitness into vacation.

Time away from your usual scenery and routine can make fitness more accessible and enjoyable.

In Jamaica I had four days all to myself. That meant waking up when I wanted, going to bed when I wanted, and doing what I wanted when I wanted. Things moms typically don’t get particularly while raising young children. I can honestly say that exercising was one of the best parts of my awesome mom-cation and I encourage every mom to put this on their “when I want” list.

Taking a vacation is a privilege that some moms don’t have.

That is why exercising during your “when I want time” isn’t limited to vacation. You may find time when kids are napping. Or with family members or at camp if you get those opportunities. Sometimes it’s even during that one random day to yourself (again, those may be few and far apart). It may not whip you into shape and you certainly won’t drop two dress sizes from one day of exercise. However, it can boost your mood and give you a sense of accomplishment for making time for your personal health. It might even kick-start a new healthy habit 😊

Vacation and Exercise: A Fitmom's Sales Pitch