A great way to introduce fitness to the family, or reinforce its importance, is to plan a family fitness vacation. We often think of “vacation” as an automatic derailment from our fitness & diet schedules; but, this doesn’t have to be the case! Vacation can be a great excuse to spend time relaxing and reenergizing with family while staying active and embracing the great outdoors. Whether your family prefers skiing, hiking, or beaching, you can easily incorporate fitness and nutrition while having a great time away! Another plus: you’ll feel a hundred times better when you return to daily life after a week spent moving, exploring, trying new activities and healthy foods, than you would eating your way though a week-long buffet.
When planning your trip, choose terrains and climates that appeal to the whole family to be sure you’re taking advantage of the time together!
Here are four ideas for great & active family fitness vacations:
Mountain Locations – Mountain locations provide plenty of activities. Families can snowboard, ski and tube the slopes. Some facilities have spin and other group fitness classes. Indoor and outdoor rock and wall climbing is also available at some locations. During warm months, families can fish, canoe, kayak, ride horses, hike or go mountain biking. Fully equipped suites are available to cook your own healthy meals.
Tropical Destinations – Tropical locations provide relaxation and usually beautiful beaches. Beach destinations offer plenty of water activities like snorkeling, sailing, wind surfing, surfing and diving. Other tropical destinations offer zip-line tours, cliff biking and hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty.
Family Bike Tours – Bike tours can fit into most family budgets. Family bike rides can be a weekend ride around town or international bike tours. Italy, France and Germany are known for their bike vacations and range from casual inns with bike accommodations to luxury accommodations with guided tours.
Weight-Loss Camps – Weight –Loss Camp makes vacation planning easier. Activities and classes are planned for you. Families can stay in multi-bedroom suites. Chefs prepare well-balanced meals and teach you and your family how to cook healthy meals when you get back home. There are many activities to participate in like: boogie boarding, swimming, hiking, tennis, and yoga. Some facilities have stress-management and life coaches as well. Many weight-loss camps cater to families with children ages 5 to 18, with separate programs available for pre-teens, teens and young adults.
No matter what family fitness vacation you plan, remember to include something fun for everyone! So, pack your skis, sneakers, suit, clubs, rackets, or bike gear and happy vacationing!
Jason Cofield has been featured in various multi-media outlets including Channel 12 News (Long Island), 20/20 (ABC Network), SELF Magazine, HAMPTONS Magazine, as well as dozens of other publications. He is a respected fitness professional, author, fitness center owner, and creator of the EvoFit Method. Cutting edge training information can be found at http://Evolutionhamptons.com and at Evolution Hamptons on Facebook. Got a question? Ask Jason@Evolutionhamptons.com. For daily fitness tips follow Jason on Twitter @Evohamptons.
