For many people, a vacation can be a time of indulgence, leaving the calorie counter and Stairmaster far behind for a week or two. The problem is, when you get home, you bring 5 unwanted pounds with you, and a need for a “vacation from your vacation” due to feeling sluggish. For the fitness minded person that values health and well being above all, for the person that considers an indulgence to be two yoga classes per day instead of one, for the person that seeks the adventure of a lifetime out of vacation, this article is for you. The following fitness vacations will give the traveler an opportunity to use their fitness for the good of mankind, and will nourish the mind, body, and spirit. Each fitness vacation still offers plenty of indulgence, but is coupled with activities that balance those indulgences with calorie-burning, fun activities.
Teach Children to Surf in Africa
If you’ve got 2 weeks and know how to surf, why not share your sport with children? Surfing and other sports help kids living in developing countries build concentration and strength, and also help fight depression. In addition to learning a new sport, the kids will be taught about preserving their coastal environments. Other opportunities for volunteers include teaching sports such as badminton, soccer, aerobics and tennis. If teaching kids isn’t your thing, you could help build new homes and buildings. Use your vacation and your fitness to change lives! Program costs can start around $1500 and include all training and meals for 2 weeks. Airfare, travel insurance and other personal expenses should be factored in separately. Try this website to view volunteer projects and pricing.
Breathe Deeply at a Yoga Retreat
Yoga retreats are available around the world, so you can decide if you’d like to visit a paradise island in the Bahamas, clean air in Spain, or countryside in Montana. Most yoga retreats offer different variations of yoga, meditation, vegetarian cuisine, community service, outdoor adventure, massage, and more. Depending on what it is you are looking for, you can find intense retreats that keep you on a tight schedule, rising before the sun to chant, meditate and practice yoga. Other fitness retreats offer two yoga classes per day and the freedom to do as you choose in between. Shreyas Retreat in India has customizable programs so you determine the program best suited for you. A typical day at Shreyas Retreat might begin with hatha yoga or a nature hike, followed by breakfast featuring juices and fruits fresh from the gardens located on the resort grounds. Next, yogis could spend time in the local village, getting to know the town. For those that want to get more deeply involved, volunteer opportunities to serve meals at the local school and orphanage are available. Or, become one with nature by tending to one of the agricultural or herb gardens. Resort room rates start at around $1000 for 3 nights, and go up to around $9,000 for 21 nights. Airfare, taxes, and service charges are not included.
Bicycle Through France
Bike riders of all levels can enjoy a biking adventure in France. At French Cycling Holidays, your fitness vacation will combine the beauty of France with the adventure of cycling. You’ll see majestic and beautiful land and seascapes, stay at charming boutique hotels, and sample carefully crafted French cuisine and fine wines. Your fitness adventure begins when you arrive at the airport and French Cycling Holidays and are greeted by French Cycling Holidays. You’ll spend your days riding through France, spending each night at a different location. Your vacation adventure will focus on the views, the sites and the cuisine. French Cycling Holiday will map the course of your adventure and all your meals are included in the price, so all you have to do is peddle! Vacations begin around $2700, not including airfare and taxes.
Take Your Fitness for a Cruise
Imagine waking to the sounds of seagulls and gentle waves, lacing on your running shoes, and taking your long run on a 360° track on the deck of a cruise ship. After your run, you head to the state-of-the-art yoga fitness studio, to take class from a well-respected Equinox yoga trainer. Next, you enjoy a vegetarian lunch carefully prepared by the chef just for the fitness minded. After a refreshing swim in the pool, you want to wind down the day at the putting green hitting golf balls, but you didn’t bring your clubs. No fear! The cruise ship has Taylor Made clubs available for borrow.
Choose a vacation destination such as Costa Rica, where you can have an adventure as you hike through volcanic hot springs, take a white water river adventure, or zip-line through rainforest. Depending on the vacation cruise you take, the ship usually parks in the morning and adventurers board back on the ship in the evening or at night. Most vacation ships will have information on day excursions for the areas you are visiting. Plan your adventure in advance, so upon arrival you are set to go. Finally, book a rejuvenating massage or cleansing facial in the cruise ship spa to pamper yourself before returning to port. To find a vacation ship with modern fitness offerings and equipment, try Crystal Cruise Line. Vacations start at around $2500 per person.
Fitness vacations are a great way to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. Instead of coming home from your trip feeling as if you need a vacation from your vacation, you’ll come home feeling lean and strong. You might lose weight, or break even rather than bringing home a buffet belly or beer gut. Use your time away from the stresses of work and everyday life to nurture yourself and be truly at rest. In the end, your physical body will be back home, but your mind will carry the peace and calm that you found on your journey back into everyday life. Gift yourself a fitness vacation and invest in your well being at the same time! Bon Voyage!
Written By Katrina Goldberg, Rockit Body Pilates
Photo Credit: Daniel Flower / C.C. 2.0
