Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/62711
Getting Fit By Amy Schumacher, WAC Personal Trainer Travel strong W Follow these fitness tips for a better vacation hether it involves riding a bike fearlessly in Amsterdam, climbing with ease to the top of a historical minaret in Khiva, navigating Paris comfortably on foot, or just sunbathing with confi- dence on a tropical beach, your travel experience will improve when you're fit and feeling great. Research shows that setting short-term fitness goals is a powerful technique to focus your attention, enhance your performance, and provide a direction for your efforts. Being in tune with what your body needs can prepare you for a plane ride. Having a stretching routine for before, during and after a flight can start you off on the right foot, keep you from injury, and greatly improve the quality of your trip. Many of us rely on carts, escalators and elevators to help transport our luggage, but hauling our bags up stairs, lifting them into overhead compartments, and rolling them down uneven streets requires strength and stamina. By preparing for your travels, these tasks can become a breeze rather than a burden. Moreover, regardless of where you're going, you'll likely find that some of the best things to do require a certain level of fitness. The best views of a city, for example, typically come from the highest vantage points. In many cases, you must climb stairs to get to where you really want to be. Are your legs strong enough to get you to the top? Will they be strong enough by the time you're actually traveling? WAC Trainer Amy Schumacher demonstrates a simple exercise using a kettlebell that promotes core strength and flexibility. Imagine arriving at the bottom of a large set of stairs that leads to the top of a beautiful piece of architecture or an amazing view and knowing you're ready for the climb. Now imagine not being ready. Sure, you might still make it to the top, but how will you feel when you get there? Moreover, how ready will you be to make a similar climb the very next day? By conditioning your body now, you'll enjoy your upcoming travels more. This goes beyond land travels. For Seattleites, tropical beaches represent a welcome antithesis of daily life in the rain and gray. But how do you feel when your 14 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | APRIL 2012 clothes come off and your bathing suit goes on? Better yet, how ready are you to grab a snorkel and mask and spend an hour swimming in the tide? If you're not ready to show off your beach body now, then it's time to start doing something about it. Set yourself up to feel confident poolside by putting in some time in the gym. Get ready for your tropical adventures with some laps in the pool. Prepare to indulge without guilt by shedding a few pounds in advance of your trip. Give yourself the confidence to try a resort yoga class or to take a long jog along the beach by doing similar activities now. The more you get acquainted with a habit of fitness, the more enjoyment you'll find during those vacation days you look forward to all year. to recharge your mind and body. So are the weeks and months leading up to your journey. Talk to a WAC trainer about getting fit for your trip. Get your travel companions on board. Vacation and travel are a great way you can enjoy all that is to come. Bon voyage. By setting short-term fitness goals now, FIT FOR TRAVEL IN FIVE WEEKS The WAC's five-week Fit for Travel program can help prepare you for an active vacation. The course will focus on proper lifting techniques, balance and leg conditioning. Those who complete the program will find themselves more able to enjoy stair- climbs, long walks and sightseeing during their summer travels. We'll also practice flexibility and stretching techniques that can be used on a plane or in a hotel room. The course costs $325 and includes a pedometer. For more information, contact Megan Usui at musui@wac.net. BRIAN FRANCIS (3)