Spring break is finally upon us: no classes, no texts, and no papers for nine days. You can sleep in, eat out, soak up the sun and let all of the stress of college life melt away. Taking time off from school work is a good thing—it can help you rejuvenate, rest your brain cells, and get ready for the second half of the semester. But taking time off from other aspects of college life may not be such a good idea.
One week off of exercise can have more of an effect than you might think. You may be less inclined to jump back into your fitness routine after you’ve had a week without a workout. When you do hit the gym, you may not be able to finish that 45 minute cardio circuit like you could a week ago, and those hand weights will seem heavier than they did the last time you worked out. And then there’s the soreness that sets in afterwards.
Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. Sure there may not be a gym or yoga classes, but there are ways to stay in shape that don’t require cardio equipment or free weights. For example, you don’t have to have a treadmill handy to run. You can run or walk anywhere: the beach, your neighborhood, a city block, wherever you find yourself spending the break.
Not a runner? No problem. There are a lot of exercises that you can do in your hotel room: crunches, push-ups, lunges, and jumping jacks, for example. If you have access to a TV and DVD player, make sure to pack a workout video and take 30 minutes before you hit the beach to do a quick yoga or kick boxing routine.
Another benefit of staying active while on break: you can enjoy all the good “vacation” food without the guilt. For those spending Spring Break on a cruise: the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, the pool-side bar, and the four-course dinners are both daunting and tempting. Eliminate some of the guilt by taking thirty minutes a day to run around the track, swim in the pool, or walk with friends along the beach. You can have your cake and eat it too.
The most important reason to exercise on vacation: it will help you relax and have fun. We have all experienced the post-workout adrenaline rush. Having this extra boost of energy will keep you happy and healthy during the break. So when you’re packing your suitcase, don’t forget the sun-block, don’t forget your summer dresses, and don’t forget your running shoes.