Staying in shape on train vacations in Canada
Staying in shape on train vacations in Canada
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Traveling can sometimes put a damper on workout regimens. If you find yourself yearning to burn calories between visits to Canada's national parks and trying the nation's award-winning wines, you might want to set aside an hour or two for working out so that you can stay energized during your unforgettable vacation.
Train-friendly exercises
Even though trains don't have gyms onboard, you can still do a number of exercises that are perfect for small spaces. Along with push-ups, squats and core workouts, you can also do a number of simple yoga poses to stay flexible and improve your circulation. Sitting in one place for prolonged periods of time can be detrimental to your health, so you should walk around every hour or two keep blood flowing in your legs.
You could even download exercise apps onto your phone, such as Nike Training, which lets you keep your personal trainer in your pocket. Most of the exercises can be done within a five-foot diameter and will keep your heart pumping for at least half an hour.
Pick active tours
Travelers who want to enjoy the Canadian Rockies by train can also hike the mountains at numerous stopping points. There's no better way to absorb the beautiful scenery than to walk through it, and whether you're a beginning or advanced hiker, you can kill two birds with one stone by burning some calories and taking pictures of the landscape at the same time. You could even bring along a pedometer for some extra motivation.
Eat healthy
An added perk to train tours of Canada is having the opportunity to sample numerous cuisines from around the world. Known for taking influence from both eastern and western culinary traditions, cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal are brimming with healthy restaurants where you won't have to sacrifice taste for less calories. Luckily for you as well, Canada is known for its impeccable wine, which is filled with disease-fighting antioxidants.
While you're on the train, try to avoid the sweets offered in the dining car and opt for a fruit platter or vegetable plate instead - your post-vacation self will thank you.
Train-friendly exercises
Even though trains don't have gyms onboard, you can still do a number of exercises that are perfect for small spaces. Along with push-ups, squats and core workouts, you can also do a number of simple yoga poses to stay flexible and improve your circulation. Sitting in one place for prolonged periods of time can be detrimental to your health, so you should walk around every hour or two keep blood flowing in your legs.
You could even download exercise apps onto your phone, such as Nike Training, which lets you keep your personal trainer in your pocket. Most of the exercises can be done within a five-foot diameter and will keep your heart pumping for at least half an hour.
Pick active tours
Travelers who want to enjoy the Canadian Rockies by train can also hike the mountains at numerous stopping points. There's no better way to absorb the beautiful scenery than to walk through it, and whether you're a beginning or advanced hiker, you can kill two birds with one stone by burning some calories and taking pictures of the landscape at the same time. You could even bring along a pedometer for some extra motivation.
Eat healthy
An added perk to train tours of Canada is having the opportunity to sample numerous cuisines from around the world. Known for taking influence from both eastern and western culinary traditions, cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal are brimming with healthy restaurants where you won't have to sacrifice taste for less calories. Luckily for you as well, Canada is known for its impeccable wine, which is filled with disease-fighting antioxidants.
While you're on the train, try to avoid the sweets offered in the dining car and opt for a fruit platter or vegetable plate instead - your post-vacation self will thank you.
Posted on Monday, Jul 23, 2012 by Dan Macleod
