Pilates Summer Series Day #9 + healthy vacation tips

Coppertone, floaties, Capri Sun, the smell of wet cement, goggle marks, a wet swimsuit under dry clothes…

There are certain things that take me right back to the carefree days of summer. And of all the sweet summer memories nothing gets me quite like the memory of summer vacation.

I was blessed to go on a family trip every summer. Sometimes it was an exciting new location and other times it was a 12 hour road trip to visit family in Missouri. But when you’re a kid a trip is a trip and the memories are sweet.

As you may have seen on Instagram or Facebook last week, I escaped to Scottsdale for a little R&R. It was rejuvenating and refreshing.

This trip I was struck by how far I’ve come on path to balance and health. Vacations used to mean 100% indulgence. I would eat and drink and eat and drink and indulge to the point of feeling sick, bloated and guilty by the end of the trip.

These days, I want my vacations to be truly rejuvenating. I want to come back feeling healthy and like myself – not like I need a detox.

3 quick healthy vacation tips:

1.  Skip the day drinks.

Treat alcohol like a treat. Have a cocktail or glass of wine and happy hour and perhaps another with dinner. You know your limits better than I but drinking throughout the day or drinking too much at night will lead to less activity, overeating, poor sleep and feeling lethargic the next day.

2. Take it one day at a time.

If you know you’re going out to an indulgent dinner make smart, healthy choices earlier in the day. Stick to lean protein, fruits, veggies and plenty of water. Then allow yourself to truly indulge (guilt-free) when it’s worth it. Don’t try to be perfect. Just try to make choices that will leave you feeling your best.

3. Squeeze in little bits of exercise.

You may not have time for your regular workouts and that’s okay. Walk wherever you can. Take the stairs. Hope in the pool and swim a few laps. Play with your kiddos. You can even mix sight-seeing with exercise by taking walking tours, going for hikes, riding bikes or discovering other active outings to do as a family.

And of course, don’t forget to hydrate. Drinking enough water is a simple way to take care of yourself while away from home.

And if a beach booty workout doesn’t go perfectly with a summer vacation I don’t know what does.

Today’s workout will tone, strengthen and lift your derriere. I’ve zeroed in on what I call the “butthigh.” That lovely area where the butt meets the thigh. If you don’t know what I’m talking about then consider yourself lucky. 🙂

Enjoy!

If you are unable to view the embedded video above please click here.

xo,

PS – you may also enjoy this blueberry-mango smoothie.

disclaimer: these videos were created for individuals in good health. Robin recommends that you speak with your doctor prior to beginning a new exercise routine. By doing this video you do so at your own risk and agree to release Robin Long and The Balanced Life of any and all liability. Clothing generously provided by Athleta.