Simple ways to sneak in fitness

If you’re on spring break or about to start, you might be thinking about all the ways you’re going to enjoy some much-deserved rest and relaxation.

But taking it easy for a week doesn’t mean derailing your fitness goals. You’ve worked hard to commit to be fit, and there’s no reason you can’t keep up the commitment while you have a little fun in the sun.

Keep your healthy habits going strong by creatively fitting in your workouts. Whether you’re in your hotel room, at the beach or just about anywhere, you can squeeze in a quick and effective strength workout by using your own body weight – no exercise equipment required. A few sets of squats, lunges, push-ups, triceps dips and planks will keep your muscles firing and metabolism humming.

It’s easy to fit cardio into your spring break routine. If you’re visiting someplace for the first time, get out and explore on foot! Walk to the local shopping areas, parks or museums. A few trips up and down some stairs will get your heart rate up, too. Skip the hotel elevator and hit the stairs for a burst of cardio exercise a few times a day.

Don’t forget nutrition. It’s always fun to sample the local cuisine, but remember that each meal is filled with choices. You can try new foods while staying within reasonable calorie limits. Splurge on something you can’t eat at home, then fill the rest of your plate with lean protein, local fruits and vegetables, and high-fiber carb options.

Take some of these tips with you on spring break or any upcoming trip, and you’ll return home feeling better than you did when you left.

Jenifer Anderson is the group exercise coordinator at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital’s Health and Fitness Center in Barrington.