Graduation is tonight! The teachers have to actually wear graduation gowns, which I think is very official. I didn’t attend my master’s graduation ceremony since I took all my classes at satellite campuses, so I am pretty pumped to wear a hood for the very first time. Commence Googling how to properly wear a hood.

With May being Physical Fitness and Sports Month, and a whole bunch of summer trips just around the corner (4 more days!), I thought I would share some of the ways I try to stay healthy when traveling. This post is also inspired by the Hotel Hike at the Aria Las Vegas (see #3). #TravelFit2014

1. Sweat it out in your hotel room – Some hotels do not offer a fitness center to guests, or if they do, it is often lacking in equipment or not open at convient times. Rather than use that as an excuse not to get in a sweat fest, try this hotel room workout.

You don’t need any equipment, it won’t bother the people on the floor below you, and it can be done in 10 minutes! Try besting your rounds by repeating it at least once while you’re away. You can check out some other no equipment workouts here.

2. Save your calories for what you really want – If you’re calorie concious, be aware of where your calories are coming from. For example, I prefer to skip the breakfast pasteries and opt for the afternoon cocktail. Not sure where you stand with your calorie intake? Use myfitnesspal to stay on track. I’m all for indulging while on vacation, but I don’t want to overdo it like that time in Thailand.

3. Walk just about everywhere – There is no better time to get in your 10,00 steps then while walking around a new place. Wear a pedometer or use RunKeeper to keep track of your mileage. If you happen to be in Las Vegas, The Aria Las Vegas, has a “Hotel Hike” that sounds pretty ingenious. Most people don’t visit Vegas for the hiking, but this hotel hike works the same muscles you would on a regular hike. A hike leader walks you all over, past the restaurants, casinos, and art installations. The escalators are off limits the entire time. How cool is that?

4. Stay hydrated – Water, water, water! Flying can dehydrate you, as can walking around sightseeing all day, and having a few cocktails with dinner or by the pool. Aim to drink half your bodyweight in ounces of water each day while on vacation (160 pounds = 80 ounces of water).

5. Run to explore the area – Sometimes just going for a short run in the neighborhood around your hotel will show you things you may otherwise miss. Lace up your sneakers, ask the hotel staff what areas are safest, and head in that direction.

6. Drop in on a group fitness class – Have a spare hour? Drop in on a group fitness class at a local gym or see if the hotel offers guest classes. Make it a class you’ve never tried before, like clothing optional yoga. After all, vacation is all about trying new things.

7. Utilize the pool – Planning a lot of poolside or beach time during your vacation? Get swimming! Tread water for 3-5 minutes at a time, go for a long swim, flutter kick while holding onto the pool edge, pool jog; just get moving while you’re in the water! Plyometrics are also fun to do in a pool since the water eliminates the impact, saving your knees. Try the 10 Minute Body Buster Workout and replace the push ups with incline push ups using the pool edge.

8. Take the stairs – Skip the elevator and take the stairs back to your room. If you’re staying on a double digit floor, take the stairs halfway up and then get on the elevator. Try adding one more flight each time. You’ll feel the burn without ever stepping foot into the gym.

9. Try a daily challenge – If you truly can’t fit in a quick workout, try a daily challenge. For example, throughout the day attempt to do 300 calf raises, 200 squats, or 150 push ups. Standing in line for an attraction, waiting for your table at a restaurant, downtime at the hotel while everyone is getting ready for the next event, get them done! Even just that little bit will help keep you toned and feeling like you accomplished something.

RQ: What are some ways you try to stay fit and healthy while traveling? Do you know how to wear a graduation hood?

Brooke Selb

I’m Brooke Selb, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach specializing in helping busy moms and moms to be to easily juggle mom life with family friendly recipes, and easy exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals that fit in with your already busy life with sound nutritional advice.