If you struggle to stay in shape in your daily life, you may find that it’s easier to do while you’re on a cruise. After all, you’ll have time to exercise, facilities and classes are right there on the ship, and there are lots of ways to be active on shore, too.
You’ll be able to start, maintain or enhance your usual workout routine in the ship’s fitness center. Onboard fitness centers have become more sophisticated in recent years, with state-of-the-art equipment and machines that may not have made it to your neighborhood gym yet. You can join classes, too, for boot-camp style workouts, spinning, yoga and more. If you love running, you’re likely to find a track on an upper deck, and perhaps basketball and volleyball courts.
More ways to be active on a cruise include calorie-burning leisure activities like dancing, swimming, and strolling the streets of the ports you visit. For a higher level of activity, look for shore excursions that get physical, from zip-lining and horseback riding to snorkeling and rock climbing.
Nutrition is a big part of staying healthy, and your ship will accommodate your needs. Most cruise lines make a point of including lighter selections on their menus. Plus, you can ask for a dish to be cooked in a different way – for example, ask for fish to be broiled instead of fried, and for dressings and sauces to be served on the side. For a quick meal or snack, you can always build a healthy salad or sandwich at the ship’s buffet. Of course, with all the exercise you can get while on a cruise, you may be able to indulge in a few higher-calorie treats, too.
Drinking is the counterpart to eating, and it’s important to your cruise health, too. Be sure to stay hydrated as you cruise by drinking plenty of calorie-free water. And, if you’re not sure about the water quality on shore, take some bottles of water with you when you leave the ship. If you enjoy wine, beer or cocktails, there’s no reason to abstain, but take care not to drink too many empty calories.
To take a closer look at fitness facilities and shore excursions that will keep you active while you cruise, talk with Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.
