According to exercise physiologist and fitness consultant Elizabeth Quinn, "You start deconditioning (losing fitness) in about two weeks if you stop exercise altogether. Once lost, it takes nearly three times as long to recondition as it took to detrain."
Elizabeth's best advice? "If you need to reduce your training time for a couple of weeks, don't worry, you'll get back to your current fitness level pretty quickly when your schedule returns to normal. Just don't stop exercising altogether."
According to Men's Fitness, there are a few pros and cons to not exercising during a vacation. The biggest risk for men or women, however, isn't losing muscle mass or gaining weight: it's losing your drive and motivation.
Never fear! It's actually easier than you might think to get at least a short workout in every day while on vacation.
Walk
Sandbridge Beach is the perfect place for walking. Of course, the beach offers ample opportunities for a leisurely stroll or a power walk. However, you also have the option of making your way up and down the Boardwalk (under King Neptune's supervision), which will rack up some steps on your pedometer.Taking in all the local shops sets you on yet another path to get up and moving, while finding some unique souvenirs you simply can't live without.
Run
Prefer running over walking? Sure, you can kick it into gear on the beach, but the Sandbridge area also gives you some higher-level options. Include participation in one of the fitness events that take place in and around Sandbridge.The Shamrock offers a full marathon, a half-marathon and an 8k to choose from, while the Rock n Roll event has a half-marathon, 5k and two-person relay on the roster.
Dance
According to Self.com, just 30 minutes of fast dancing (modern, salsa, etc.) burns between 150-160 calories. Not to mention the cardio benefits you get. Between nightclubs with DJs and the live bands you'll find at beach parties and in local lounges, including at least one night of boogieing can be a fun way to stay in shape.Swim
Whether you're using structured strokes in a pool or you are just goofing around in the ocean, the gentle resistance on your muscles engages them and gives you a better workout than you might realize.WebMD.com confirms this in an interview with Tay Stratton, Head Swim Coach at the Little Rock Athletic Club. "Swimming recruits all the major muscle groups, including the shoulders, back, abdominals, legs, hips, and glutes. And because water affords 12 times the resistance as air in every direction, it really helps to build strength," she says.
Golf
The American Society of Golf Course Architects also has some great news to report. According to the article, "...golfers who walk and carry their own bag burn 721 calories, golfers using a pull cart burn 718 calories, golfers walking with a caddie burn 613 calories and golfers riding in a golf cart burn 411 calories on average."
You have over a dozen courses to choose from in the Sandbridge Beach area. Because this is a tourist region, pro shops are regularly looking to put together foursomes, so getting a tee time shouldn't be a problem.
When you canoe or kayak, your shoulders, upper back and mid-back are all engaged along with your core. Because the paddling motion moves you from side to side, the obliques get a particularly good workout.
With a bit of prior planning, you can see just how easy it is to keep your exercise mojo going, even while on vacation. In addition to burning calories and strengthening your muscles, you'll have a blast!
You have over a dozen courses to choose from in the Sandbridge Beach area. Because this is a tourist region, pro shops are regularly looking to put together foursomes, so getting a tee time shouldn't be a problem.
Surf, Canoe, or Kayak
Like swimming and golfing, surfing, canoeing and kayaking use resistance to build muscle. Think about it: you swim out past the breakers to catch a wave - that's using energy and working your entire upper body. Then balancing on the surfboard as you ride the curl in requires a great deal of core, leg and hip strength.When you canoe or kayak, your shoulders, upper back and mid-back are all engaged along with your core. Because the paddling motion moves you from side to side, the obliques get a particularly good workout.
Play on the Beach
A vigorous volleyball match engages every muscle in your body whether you're playing with your kids or other adults. Throwing a ball or Frisbee can also burn a great deal of calories (especially if your children have no aim!). Running, jumping to catch and throwing means you have to use everything from your fingers to your toes.With a bit of prior planning, you can see just how easy it is to keep your exercise mojo going, even while on vacation. In addition to burning calories and strengthening your muscles, you'll have a blast!
