How to keep your fitness momentum going over spring break
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Spring break is right around the corner, and if you worked out leading up to your vacation, you'd better pack some exercise clothes for your vacation. Many people go off the rails when they're on vacation, skipping workouts, splurging during meals and drinking a few extra cocktails, but sticking to a routine is your best bet.
Orange Theory Fitness regional fitness director Brenda Boyd said she sees clients go on vacation and lose momentum and motivation all the time.
"People tend to gain five pounds during one week of vacation, and it only takes three days to have muscle atrophy," Boyd explained.
It can take a full month to lose those five pounds and gain back that muscle.
"I tell people to stick with their routines. If you work out at 5 a.m., continue to work out at 5 a.m.," Boyd advised.
"It's so easy to get out of your routine. Then, once you get home, it's too hard to get back into it again," Boyd added. "You've got all these distractions and want to sleep in because you slept in on vacation."
You might not get the same workout as you would at your gym, but Boyd said some activity is better than no activity.
"You can get real creative. You can do the stairs, run up the stairs, do lateral hop ups on the stairs, step ups. You can run outside," she recommended.
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Body weight exercises like squats, lunges and pushups are also effective.
"You can do what I call hot potatoes, where you are lying [on your side] and you're taking your leg up and over a pillow," said Boyd.
Boyd added to remember all the hard work you've put in.
"It takes three weeks to create a habit, and it only takes a week to destroy it," she said.
Finally, you're on vacation, so of course you want to treat yourself to some indulging dishes, but go for a cheat meal instead of a cheat day every day.
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