You just got consistent and are seeing the results you are hoping for, when the calendar rolls around and it is time for your big vacation. You might be wondering how to adjust your workout schedule while on vacation. There are many ways that you can approach this, and it all comes down to what is best for YOU.
Let’s keep it simple.
You have one of three options:
Option 1
Change nothing. Keep your usual workout schedule on vacation. Plan to hit your workouts on your regularly scheduled day. Maybe you shift the time – try to get it done first thing in the morning instead of the afternoon/evening like you are used to. But in this scenario, you commit to the days and keep the lifts moving.
Option 2
Modify your plan. This can be done in a few different ways. For example, if you regularly lift four days per week, perhaps you decide that just two days while on vacation will be sufficient. That way you get a little bit of a break but reduce the pressure in case you aren’t able to make time for all the regularly scheduled days that you normally do. You could also adjust the time of your workouts. If it normally takes you 60 minutes, you could cut that in half to 30 minutes and still get some movement in.
Option 3
Take a full week off. Shocking, I know! Sometimes this option could be the best for you in the long run. If leading up to your trip you notice your recovery is not great, and your body is really feeling run down, a full week of rest from your lifts could actually really be the best option. It might be scary to think of. You might feel anxiety about missing out on progress or like you will gain the weight back, but rest assured the time off can be quite healing.
Something else to consider is what kind of vacation/trip are you taking? If you are going to a place where you will be getting a lot of steps in, then chances are your activity level during the day might be high enough where you wouldn’t necessarily need to get that work out in. A long walk on the beach or exploring a new city is a fun way to get your movement in without it feeling like you have to get into the gym.
Before you decide what you are going to do, just take a moment to reflect and really ask yourself what the goal is? Do you want to feel rushed or pressured to still get the lift in? Would you rather feel proud and accomplished that you were able to stay committed while on a trip? Do you like the idea of relaxing and take a break from the usual hustle and grind in the gym?
As long as you know ahead of time what your desired goal is, whatever you choose will ultimately be what is best for you. There is nothing wrong with keeping a schedule and making time for the gym, and there is also nothing wrong with allowing yourself a break / time to rest.
At the end of the day, you didn’t make all this progress in one week’s time, and you certainly will not lose the progress in one week’s time. Allow yourself to do what is best for you both mentally and physically. Try to just be present on your vacation. Enjoy the time away, the people you are with, and the place you are visiting. Those memories will matter more than whether or not you made it to the gym.