If you follow me on Twitter, than you’ll know we’ve been out of town the last 5 days. One night of camping, followed by two nights of “camping” in a matchbox hotel room in Monterey, California. The two things that make vacations interesting and/or a test is the opportunities (or lack thereof) for exercise and the massive opportunities to eat out and overeat. Family time is the most important part of being on vacation, so, the “me” time must be seriously limited…My philosophy is you do what you can in the limited opportunities and take advantage of all other alternatives for exercise.

Yes, I want to eat out and enjoy myself! But, also, I must be reminded of my fitness goals (what are they anyway?) when on vacation. There is no opportunity to do yoga when in a Teeny Tiny hotel room, but, there was ample opportunity to “practice” on the beach. No yoga mat, no ipod, just me and the family fooling around at the beach. Actually, the beach turned out to be a great place to practice inversions–cause it won’t hurt if you fall!! It’s also a chance to have my husband help me into certain poses- like dropping into a full backbend or to spot me in a handstand.

Here are some ways that I was able to “Squeeze it in” while on vacation:

See how many times you can race your kids on the beach in an all out sprint.

Give the 48 pound, 5 year old a piggy back ride for a nice LONG 1/2 mile walk!

Rock Climb. Scare the crap out of yourself be chasing your kids on precipitous rocks overlooking waves crashing below.

Take short runs. Find hills and do hill repeats.

REST. Vacations are great opportunities to schedule the rest days. You can only come back stronger!

WHEN EATING OUT:

If you know that you will have an all out feast at night, then eat LIGHT during the day. Apples, nuts, hard boiled eggs, salads…

Let the vultures go at it with the bread basket. There will be plenty to eat, so just pass on the bread. Or save the calories for some kick a** bread pudding for desert.

If craving sugar sweet snacks, grab a piece of fruit first. Drink water. Then see, are you still craving it?

Finally, eating out is expensive, if at all possible, schedule picnics in the park or at the beach.

P.S. Plan on enjoying the time spent with the family and not on the calories consumed. They (extra calories) are much harder to work off!

Reunion Outfit: {I bought the Emma Skirt and Top by Prana that was featured here a week ago. It was a big splurge, but, I love it. Also got a thumb’s up from hubby!}.

How do you keep your health & fitness lifestyle when on vacation?