Dear Heather ... Summer Fitness Vacations

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

16 May 2008 08:12 AM

Dear Heather,

I remember reading in your blog a while back about fitness vacations. I was actually thinking that this would be a good plan for my family (we have 4 boys ranging in age of 5 to 15) and I think a fitness vacation might inspire my sons to stay active while spending some time with their Dad and I. But I'm not sure where to start my planning. Any ideas?

-Mom on the Move

Dear Mom on the Move,

First let me say hats off to you, I have a hard time keeping up with 1 girl, I can't imagine doing it with 4 boys! Wowza! First and foremost, I'll refer you back to the article you mentioned on Planning a Fitness Vacation. But one way to plan a fitness vacation may to plan a road trip to some national landmarks. Car trips can take some forward thinking and I'll grant you gas prices aren't friendly these days, but there's a privacy and intimacy to a car trip that can help you and your family spend quality time.

You can also control the 'snacking' in a car trip by packing your cooler with fresh fruit and veggies, bottled water and juice. You don't have to go for the high fat, high carb quick stops along the highway. You can plan breaks at rest stops every couple of hours to get out and walk, stretch your legs and bathroom breaks.

In the meanwhile, your destination at landmarks can lead to hiking, horseback riding and if you pack your bicycles, you can ride them around your destination. Depending on how you calculate your trip planning, you can really make the most of your trip, the sites and the opportunities together. Personally, I'm planning a trip to the Grand Canyon and Mount Rushmore next year with my daughter, her fascination with George Washington ought to be really tickled by Rushmore.

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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