workout and vacation

Z

zarrilli

Member
Hi,
I have been using Cathe video's for about a year now and love them! I have also been reading this site and gathered great information from all of you but have never posted before.
Here is my question.
I have been working out 5-7 days a week for a few years and have never taken a break longer than a day or two. In August I am going away for two weeks and am not sure about the time i will have to work out. I was wondering what to do. Should i take the two weeks off or is that too long of a time? I know there is somthing to be said for a recovery break, but i feel 11 days or so is a bit long. Is it? should I make it a point to get in three or four cardio sessions during the trip? should i keep my regular schedule? It might sound like a bit of a silly question, but it's making me a bit anxious and i would like some feedback.
Thank you all so much for this and the wealth of information i have already read here.
chris
 
Not Cathe, but I'm going on vacation for over a week this summer, and plan no formal exercise at all. However, I will be doing a lot of walking (getting around by métro and walking, as well as hauling it up to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower by foot), so I don't worry about it at all.

Try to incorporate a lot of walking into your plans (sightseeing, etc.) and just enjoy your vacation without worrying about exercise. Your body will probably welcome the break.
 
2 weeks in Disney, every year, no exercise other than walking and an occasional swim...my exercise batteries are fully re-charged after this. I say go for the break!!
 
I'm going to disagree here... While I do agree that breaks do refresh and recharge our bodies, I feel that two weeks is a little long. I would suggest fitting in time for at least some power walking (running is even better if you're a runner). Also, resistance bands fit nicely in a suitcase so you can still work your muscles. Most hotels have workout rooms, with at least some basic cardio equipment. How about a body weight circuit doing burpees, mountain climbers, jump rope (they travel nicely also), jump squats, jump lunges, pushups, dips... The possibilities are endless, and the change in exercise will shock your body and you might just make some nice gains while you're away. :)
 
thanks so much for your responces, i love getting some feedback!
i will be sharing a room with three other people so bringing equipment might not be the most considerate option!
but there is a fitness room in the hotel so i can plan to squeeze in three or four shorter - 30 min - intense cardio sessions.
there will be lots of walking and touring as well.
i don't want to let working out get in the way of any part of the trip, but i also don't feel too comfortable letting it go all together. i guess i'll just have to plan to fit it in when i can and not stress it when i can't.
thanks again!
 
What exactly are you afraid of? I certainly am not trying ot be glib, but I've worked out my entire life and sometimes life will get in the way, including the long breaks of pregnancy. :D Trust me, if you have been faithful to an energic lifestyle, your body will not betray you. The body remembers and will bounce back very quickly, especially since we are talking about two weeks, not two months. After two weeks your muscles begin to atrophy to some extent, but you can up your protein intake to maintain what you have. If your workouts are mainly cardio, you can go for a run, run steps, jump rope, etc. But really, if you took off two weeks it could be a good thing if you continue to eat clean, hydrate and just relax and enjoy your vacation. The mind and soul need to be nourished also. Have fun and don't stress, I know the addiction of the endorphin junkie, but you will not revert into a sloth or cart-pusher, especially if you eat clean and drink plenty of water.
 
I agree with everyone who suggested "don't worry about it."

My PT always told me to enjoy my vacations and take a much needed break from hard training.

I always came back refreshed and energized.

Enjoy your vacation!
 
it is so helpful to hear all of this. i certainly have a tendency to be a bit hard on myself.
i guess a part of me is afraid of turning into a 'sloth'!
i have to have more faith in myself and know that two weeks off doesn't mean i won't get right back into it, i know i will. and it doesn't mean i will gain 20 lbs either (another fear!)

it might be fun to come back and see how my body will respond after a break.
I will reread all of this again before going on vacation, thanks!
 
it is so helpful to hear all of this. i certainly have a tendency to be a bit hard on myself.
i guess a part of me is afraid of turning into a 'sloth'!
i have to have more faith in myself and know that two weeks off doesn't mean i won't get right back into it, i know i will. and it doesn't mean i will gain 20 lbs either (another fear!)

it might be fun to come back and see how my body will respond after a break.
I will reread all of this again before going on vacation, thanks!
 
I don't think you should worry. As DirtDiva said, your body will bounce back. I had an injury last fall that really put a limit on what I could do. I was able to stay somewhat active, but nothing like what I usually do. After six months, I finally got back to my normal workouts. I didn't gain weight or lose too much muscle. I did notice a drop in cardiovascular capacity - but that was over six months, not two weeks. Relax and enjoy. You'll be fine.
 
I don't think you should worry. As DirtDiva said, your body will bounce back. I had an injury last fall that really put a limit on what I could do. I was able to stay somewhat active, but nothing like what I usually do. After six months, I finally got back to my normal workouts. I didn't gain weight or lose too much muscle. I did notice a drop in cardiovascular capacity - but that was over six months, not two weeks. Relax and enjoy. You'll be fine.
 
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