Workouts on Vacation: Yes or No?

Knowing whether to schedule in structured workouts or take a break from them while on vacation is something that a lot of people struggle with. It’s a question I’ve received from clients more than a time or two, so I turned it into a topic to discuss here. I’m sharing my thoughts below and would love to hear where you stand, too!

When it comes to working out on vacation, I fall somewhere in the middle of yes and no, and I know that I’m not alone. Some trips are filled with morning runs along a new scenic route, while others call for complete rest from dedicated exercise.

And guess what? Both are totally okay!

The decision to work out (or intentionally skip them) while traveling depends on so many personal factors like your goals, how your body feels, and what brings you the most joy on that particular trip. Let’s dive into some pros and cons of exercising while traveling and how to find an ideal balance that works for you!

Much like intuitive eating, I take an intuitive approach to fitness when I travel. Some days, my body craves movement and a morning workout feels like the perfect way to start the day. Other times, more sleep or a relaxed morning with extra time to sip and chat with loved ones over coffee is exactly what I need.

Listening To Your Body While Traveling

Here are a few factors that help me decide if a structured workout is in the cards:

• Energy Levels: If I wake up feeling rested and energized, I might opt for a workout. If I feel exhausted from travel or a packed itinerary, I let myself rest.
• Trip Itinerary: If I have a full day of exploring ahead, I might skip the gym knowing I’ll be walking miles through a new city. If it’s a slower-paced trip, a structured workout might be just what my body is craving.
• Available Amenities: If there’s a gym or a fun local group fitness class, I might be more inclined to move. But if access is limited, I don’t stress about it.
• Fitness Goals: If I’m working toward a specific goal on a timeline, I will try to stick more closely to my routine—but even then, flexibility is key and twenty minutes is always better than zero.

Ideas For Working Out While Traveling

If you love staying active on vacation (as I do on specific ones!), here are some great ways to incorporate movement without feeling like you’re missing out on the trip itself:

• Get Your Steps In: Walking, jogging, hiking or biking through a new city is a fantastic way to explore the sights while getting movement in.
• Hotel Room/Airbnb Workouts: Turn to bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, or even a quick yoga flow since those can be done anywhere. (Here is one of my go-to bodyweight strength circuits.)
• Utilize the Gym: If your hotel has a gym or fitness area with fun or new-to-you equipment, this is a good way to break up your normal routine and get a workout in.
• Boutique Studio Visit: Grab a friend or just treat yourself to a nearby group fitness class at a Pilates studio or something else that interests you.
• Beach or Outdoor Workouts: A run on the sand, yoga in the park, or a quick HIIT circuit outdoors can feel refreshing. (Check out my 20 min. bodyweight HIIT workout for inspiration if you need it!)
• Stretch & Recover: Sometimes, vacation workouts look like gentle stretching, deep breathing, or even swimming instead of high-intensity training. It all counts.

Whatever you do, remember that nobody is coming after you if you decide to skip workouts while on vacation! Recovery is just as important as training, and taking time off can actually benefit your body in the long run … as long as it’s not to an extreme and used as a crutch if you travel often.

When I choose rest over workouts on a trip, I remind myself that my routine will be waiting for me when I return. Honestly, I am ready to get right back into it upon my arrival home.

And sometimes that feeling is refreshing, too!

At the end of the day, the best workout plan while traveling is the one that fits *your* lifestyle, goals, and how you’re feeling in the moment. Whether you’re sweating it out or fully embracing the reset, the most important thing is to fully enjoy your trip without guilt and work out as much as it makes sense for that particular season in your life.

Are you training for something specific or really motivated by the progress you’re seeing? You might benefit from doing your best to stay on track more than you have in the past.

Are you on a trip where dedicating time for workouts will be unrealistic or stressful? It’s okay to use that particular vacation as a chance to really rest and recover. Not all vacations are created equal in by book, so try to listen to your body for the nudge on what to do. It knows.

My only rule is to embrace your time away on vacation because *that’s* exactly what they are for. I hope this helps you find your answer, and I’d love to hear from you on what that is below!

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What about you?

Do you like to fit in workouts while traveling, or do you use vacations to reset?

Let me know in the comments!