Don't let toxic fitness culture pack your suitcase this summer!

Maybe, possibly... too many shoes!

Could toxic fitness culture derail your vacation? Absolutely!

Numerous women have asked me this week if I think they should work out during their vacations.

My immediate gut response to this question is… no! When I visit my family on the East Coast, my time is so jam-packed that squeezing in my usual run takes away from the time I’d rather spend with my people, doing activities that we can all comfortably participate in.

Vacations often present novel movement opportunities, and I want reserve my workout energy for those!

I’m on vacation TO RELAX, so a week away is a good time to let my body recover.

And truthfully, having big feet means my running shoes take up a lot of room in my bag!

Unless you are training diligently for an event of consequence, there’s no reason to let exercise tyrannize your vacation time.

Now, why might you decide to work out over your vacay?

Perhaps the best reason is that your usual run or walk will likely be novel and exciting in a fresh location! It’s gratifying when your fitness literally opens up new horizons!

Doing your workout might reduce symptoms of jet lag…

and it will likely bring the same benefits you experience at home - reduced stress, lifted mood, a brief escape from those same family members…etc.

And if you are indeed training for an event, doing even a modified version of your workout will help you maintain fitness levels.

The key is to make this decision mindfully - what are your priorities on this vacation?

Will strict adherence to your usual workout plan help or hinder your experience?

What will bring you the most movement JOY,

such that you want to return to that movement over and over again?

Don’t let toxic fitness culture pack your bag!

If you do decide to workout, keep a few things in mind…

Flexibility is key. Be prepared to alter your workout for the conditions - which might be the amount of time you have, or the elevation!

Plan ahead - find the local gym online, research a trail network, download a map.

Safety first - tell your people where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Carry whatever gear and snacks you need to be lost for a few hours, and have contact phone numbers with you.

Take the opportunity to try a new thing!

Inquiring minds want to know... if you have done a workout, gone for a run, or maybe even indulged in adventure travel... what was your favorite of those experiences?

Post in the comments!