Balancing Summer Fitness and Relaxation

By:
Tamra L. Christiansen, Director Fitness & Wellness

“I will get back to it after my vacation,” says many a fitness enthusiast who vacations or some who stay in a cooler climate during the summer months. I say there is no better time than the present. In previous articles, I have mentioned fitness being YOUR journey, not a destination, and working out is for your health and wellness. Fitness is life-long and not an event. Life is a balance of ebb and flow, and there might be more “ebb” than “flow” during the summer season. Of course, when you are on vacation, you are there to relax. Even going on a walk or doing a few stretches is exercise.

I am here to nudge you into a fitness-all-year state of mind. I will list the top three excuses and my top three solutions. 

  • “I don’t have a gym where I am going.” I am here to let you know that you are the gym. Body weight exercises are perfectly fine to use. Squats, lunges, push-ups, planks and floor work are all accessible to you anytime, anywhere. A neat tool many underestimate is a set of stairs. You can, of course, walk or run them to get in some cardio. You can also do step-up to squats, calf raises, push-ups and dips on the stairs. Crawling upstairs (not downstairs) is a total body workout. Make sure to stretch after you finish.
  • “There is no equipment.” Tubing, mini bands, monster bands and the TRX straps are so easy to tuck away into a suitcase. Jump ropes also travel well.
  • “It’s hard to get into a routine when I am away.” A few articles ago, I spoke of how trying new things boosts confidence and brain cells. Well, there is no better time to try a different trainer, video or class. Another option is to take a video of your surroundings and allow your Cordillera trainer design a workout using what is available to you.


Relaxation is important, too. Give yourself time to rejuvenate, read books and go on tours while you are out. You can even schedule excursions that are active, then relax the rest of the day. Jump in for a workout between vacations as well! Always ease back in so you don’t injure yourself after having time off. Creating this balance saves you from dreading the added pounds from vacation. An ounce of prevention …

Tamra Christiansen is the Director of Fitness & Wellness at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. She can be reached at 830.336.9184 and tchristiansen@cordilleraranch.com.

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