Don’t Spring Break Your Workout: Try These 3 Vacation-Friendly Exercises

“I forgot to pack my gym bag.”

Consistent workouts thrive on routine, and if there’s one thing vacations disrupt, it’s routine. Forgetting to pack your gym clothes to work out on the road is common, which is why we put together three workouts you can incorporate into a sunny summer (or Spring Break) vacation. All you need is a swimsuit and a little bit of commitment. Don’t worry: you’ll still get plenty of beach and pool time.

‍Running barefoot on the beach is a great way to start (or end) your day, and it also has some surprising benefits. Without shoes, your feet can establish a more natural imprint as you run, which helps strengthen your legs. And while sand can increase resistance, it also reduces impact, meaning those who struggle with high-impact exercises will fare better. Alternate jogging and backwards jogging to loosen up all your muscles.

Now it’s time to work your upper body. The Swimming Pool Deck Dip is a lot like a tricep dip. Start with your back facing the side wall of the pool, then place your palms on the edge behind you. With fingertips facing forward, bend your left knee and place your left foot flat against the wall, then raise your right leg straight to hip height in front of you. Straighten your arms and lift out of the water, then lower to start. Once you’ve done 10 reps, switch to your left leg and repeat.

Now it’s time to play with toys. Sand Bucket Shoulder Raises are exactly what they sound like. Pack the buckets with any combination of wet or dry sand you like. The wetter the sand, the heavier the bucket. Hold the pails at your sides, straighten your back, brace your core, then slowly lift the weights out to the side until your arms are parallel to the beach with elbows slightly bent. Take in the view, then lower the pails slowly until you return to start position. Be sure not to “shrug” or raise your shoulder blades throughout. Repeat!

Have any questions, need some pointers or want a vacation exercise plan? Come in to Fitness Connection today. Our staff of fitness experts can’t wait to help you bring fitness to your life inside and outside our doors.