Try to fit exercise into your vacation

Taking a summer vacation doesn’t have to mean putting exercise or physical activity on hold. With some planning, you can incorporate fitness activities into your vacation. And you may even try something new along the way.

How to succeed: Keep an open mind and be flexible.

It’s a matter of viewing the vacation as a journey of discovery, maybe a fitness treasure hunt.

I’ve found that whether it’s Seattle or Milan or Manila, we are never devoid of opportunities to stay fit. We just have to seek them out.

Here are some suggestions:

Checking out hotel/cruise ship gyms. Hotel fitness centers have come a long way in providing a choice of activities. When you know where you’re staying, call the hotel or go to the hotel’s Web site to find out what fitness amenities are available. Make sure to ask about fees. Usually, there’s a daily fee and a weekly fee.

Do some homework on what’s available outdoors at your destination. All you need are walking or hiking shoes. Or you can go inline skating, too. Walk in the city, hike in the wilderness.

Find fitness centers or a YMCA/YWCA at your destination. Your gym membership may actually include use of sister clubs or reciprocal privileges at other fitness centers. Ditto for Y’s. Some clubs that are members of the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association participate in a “Passport Program.” Ask a staff member of your fitness center at home for a valid Passport ID or Passport sticker for your membership card. Then locate a club in the area you’ll be visiting at www.healthclubs.com.

Think about trying something new, if you’re the adventurous type. If you’ve always been curious about other types of exercise here’s your chance to think outside of your usual fitness box. Whatever you try, make sure to go slowly and carefully as you’re learning. Be patient and try to relax.