Make time for fitness. Scheduling in enough time to enjoy what the facility has to offer is imperative because health clubs and gyms are designed to offer each visitor a total fitness experience. Unlike restaurants and other tourist attractions, a fitness venue is enjoyed best when it is a planned destination rather than a convenient stop.
To have access to the exercise equipment and gym amenities without that "waiting in line" feeling, go to a fitness club throughout the weekday and during the morning hours. Not only will you enjoy your visit far more during these times, you'll also leave yourself the rest of the day to enjoy other activities. In major cities, gyms can open as early as 5 a.m. throughout the weekday.
Try something new. Each health club has a signature amenity, perhaps it specializes in providing healthy shakes or drinks, or maybe it provides access to celebrity fitness instructors. Whatever the situation, find out the health club's specialty and make sure you try it at least once. Completing this step allows you to extend the vacation experience into your fitness visits.
Create and complete fitness challenges. Vacations are full of temptations to indulge in unhealthy foods, and if you're visiting a health club during your travels it's probably because you don't want those indulgences to equal unwanted weight gain. To help burn those extra calories, go to the gym with a fitness challenge in mind. Instead of doing 45 minutes on the treadmill as you would if you were at home, do an hour. Instead of lifting 10 pound weights, lift 15 pound weights. Just setting these fitness goals and achieving them will provide you with the sense of accomplishment you need to avoid the guilty feeling of enjoying local eatery treats.
