Most people look at vacation as just that: a time away from responsibilities which includes daily workouts. It’s usually a time of relaxation, where the calories don’t count and you stay far far away from any treadmills. But you pay for it the day you come home, unhappy with the number on the scale and a little rusty the first time back in the gym. I think exercise should be a part of any vacation and it really can be a fun point of the trip! If you are anywhere in nature, all you have to do is seek out a trail and explore with a hike. You don’t even have to think of it as “working out” – it’s sightseeing on foot which will benefit you more than just keep calories at bay. You might end up seeing some pretty great views you would otherwise have missed out on.

But if you are going somewhere less natural (say… New York City) you’ll have to get a bit more creative. We were in the city for 17 days this July. My surgical procedures did not begin until Day 5, so we had a few “play days” and you bet we hit up Central Park. The place is AMAZING! It goes for blocks and blocks with a ton of paths leading in different directions. There are baseball fields and bike paths and fitness classes on the lawns. It’s an impressive place to totally take advantage on for getting active.

My family rented bikes and made a lap around the park which has some incline. Then I found a running path around a gorgeous lake, about 1.75 miles, and got in a few laps with the locals. It was actually a highlight of the trip, and I really enjoyed getting to work out in such a new and unfamiliar but fabulous place. Vacation isn’t really an excuse to be completely lazy; it should inspire you to get creative with a workout and find a new way to be active. I’m lucky enough to have my Photographer/Mom to capture the moments.