6 Tips to Stay Active While Enjoying Your Vacation
Yes, dancers need vacations too. Dancers have been known to be dedicated, hardworking individuals because of the high level of competition. A very few percentage of dancers make it on top so we all work triple hard to reach that dream. However, all work and no play also makes a dancer (or anyone for that matter) unproductive. Numerous studies have shown that continuous time on-task can set off strain reactions such as stress, fatigue and negative mood, which drain focus and physical and emotional resources.
So I did take a 2-week vacation to the US and Canada recently to celebrate my birthday and (like most dancers) was overcome with guilt. Remember in my previous post how dancers are conditioned that one day of no dancing is equivalent to a year wasted? That stuck to me and up until now, I still get guilty when on vacation.
Luckily, there are ways to keep yourself active, and still get to enjoy your holiday:
1. Grab all opportunities to walk
Forget taxis, walk to an attraction you want to see! If going for dinner, pick a place that's walking distance to your accommodation. Kill time by walking and sight-seeing.
CALIFORNIA: Walked around vineyards in Napa Valley and Sonoma.
CANADA: Walked around Granville Island in Vancouver.
LOS ANGELES: Walked the whole stretch of beach from Santa Monica Pier to Venice Beach.
And happened to walk through the drum circle at Venice Beach! Loved how people freely danced to the beat of the drum.
2. Go for a morning (or evening in my case) run
Another good way to explore a new area is to go for a run.
Went for an evening run in Los Angeles no matter how chilly it was. I got lost on my way back but that only gave me more opportunity to discover the neighborhood and gave me more running miles!
3. Go cycling in a beautiful park
Stanley Park in Vancouver, Canada: Missed out on this one since I had to do a little bit of work (I had a deadline!). But at least the bf enjoyed it.
4. Hiking
Vancouver rainforest. Hiking is a great way to appreciate nature, unwind and still keep that body moving! Two awesome hiking spots we went to: Capilano Suspension Bridge and Lighthouse Park.
Climbing rocks and hills!
The scenery at Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park was beautiful.
5. Art Galleries and Museums are always a good idea
Not only do you get to learn the culture of a place, it gives you more walking time without realising it as you absorb beautiful and interesting pieces around you.
SEATTLE: At the Chihuli Garden & Glass Exhibit with the Space Needle at the back.
EMP Museum in Seattle is also one to check out with its different halls and multiple galleries of popular culture.
6. Use your hotel's gym!
Book a hotel with a gym. If you can roll out of bed and hit the gym right away, there's no excuse for you not to exercise. Check out my previous post for suggestions on fun workout exercises for dancers.
Utilizing our hotel's gym in Santa Monica.
You may also do simple things to be more active like opting for stairs instead of an escalator / lift. Looking for fun classes that are new to you that require movement is always a good idea too. Look for folk or local dance classes! Remember, dance is a great way of finding out a country's soul and culture. And lastly, enjoy the benefits of being physically fit while on vacation!
Interested to see more dance and travel adventures? Let's catch each other on Instagram ;)