It's surprising how much going on vacation can really take it out of you. Even taking a cruise can be a strenuous business - especially if you've booked the sort of itinerary that involves stopping at a lot of ports of call and tramping around seeing the sites and taking guided tours.
So you need to make that you have a little vacation fitness! Obviously, if you vacation involves climbing the Rockies or the Pyreness, or traveling around the Greek islands by sea kayak, you've probably already given this matter some thought. If, however, you've booked a regular vacation at a regular resort or in a city you may hav eoverlooked the necessity of getting in shape. City breaks, especially, can be very wearing - pounding all that hard pavement is usually worth it, especially if you're in somewhere like Rome or Venice. But you want to be in a fit state to enjoy the Vatican museums and Piazza San Marco without having to sit down every two minutes to catch your breath!
The primary exercise most folks take during the course of a vacation is, of course, walking. Of all the forms of exercise you can take, walking is one of the easiest. If you do it right, it's also one of the healthiest, burning fat efficiently and helping keep your heart and lungs in tip-top shape. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, just half an hour to an hour of extra walking every day can dramatically improve your chances of living to a ripe old age - and help you look and feel better on a day-to-day basis. You'll have more energy, and you'll be able to enjoy that vacation more.
However, walking for exercise doesn't simply mean taking a stroll around your garden or the local park. You should aim to get your heart rate up and increase your breathing to a point where you can still carry on a conversation but only just. Unless you're really overweight, you should be aiming to hit about two-thirds of your maximum pulse rate, which is 220 minus your age beats per minute. So stride out! Make sure you wear sensible, comfortable shoes, boots or sneakers with a reasonable heel and ankle support. Walking is a very safe form of exercise, but if you're not used to exercise or you think you may have any underlying health problems it's wise to consult a physician before taking it up in earnest.
Pedometer Walking: Stepping Your Way to Health, Weight Loss, and Fitness
Walking for Fitness
The Complete Guide to Walking, New and Revised: For Health, Weight Loss, and Fitness (Walking Magazine)
Fitness Walking
The Healthy Heart Walking CD: Walking Workouts For A Lifetime Of Fitness