I’ve written plenty of blog posts about how to keep  an exercise routine and good diet while on a trip or vacation. What I haven’t yet addressed is why I exercise on vacation. I never thought to answer that question because, for me it’s a no-brainer!

People ask me why I exercise on vacation, but the real question is – why wouldn’t you?

In case you’re wondering, here are my three biggest reasons:

My body requires maintenance.

I don’t stop brushing my teeth because I’m on vacation, so why would I stop exercising? In order to be truly fit, we need to stick with an exercise routine.  There will be enough times in life when we aren’t able to get a workout, so the best idea is to keep it up whenever – and wherever – we can.

I think of exercise like money in the bank: Continue to put the workouts in the bank so that when the time comes that I can’t do it, I don’t get stuck in a deficit. If I keep my workouts as regular as possible I’ll have the luxury to choose the days that I don’t exercise, and if something comes up where I can’t exercise, I don’t worry that my schedule has been trashed.

Exercise can be as beneficial and relaxing as any spa treatment

(and sometimes better)!

After a workout my body and mind are relaxed.  I sleep better on the nights that I exercise.  I look better and younger because of exercise. Some of the benefits of exercise you can’t even get from a spa.

Since I look and feel best when I’m exercising regularly, why not keep feeling great on vacation?

The best thing is, you don’t need lots of money to get the benefits of exercise. You can just put on your shoes and go out for a run or a walk. Most hotels have gyms and if they don’t you can bring an exercise band.

Exercise can be a form of sight seeing – and cultural immersion.

There’s something about running through a city that helps one to feel more like a native than a tourist.

Running through, I get to watch the locals in their morning or evening routines. If I’ve just arrived at a location I get an idea of the places I want to come back to see in  detail later, or restaurants I’d like to try. After a few days, I’m saying hello to people I regularly pass on my route.

I hope you enjoy my video of the lovely Italian city on the Mediterranean.

I was going to post pictures, but I thought I’d take you on our morning run instead.