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Hi, I'm Sheri from CruiseTipsTV.
Today we are going to talk about staying fit while cruising. I know, I know, it's a bit
of an oil and water thing for me too. After all, one of the things I like best about cruising
is relaxing, and having a good time. But, staying fit and enjoying your cruise don't
have to be mutually exclusive. First up, let's dispel the common myth that "There's nothing
to do but eat on a cruise, and you'll get fat." I hear it all the time, and it's
simply not true. Cruise lines go out of their way to make sure there are tons of healthy
eating options AND activities for everyone -- even on sea days. Check out your ship's
daily newsletter. Mark it up with a highlighter and get out there and have some fun. All right,
with that out of the way, let's jump in with our top five cruise fitness tips.
Our first Tip: Get fit before you board -- stay fit on board. Let's be realistic; you don't
go on a cruise to get in shape. So your fitness program should start long before you board
the ship. Whatever it is you do, do a little more for a couple of weeks before your cruise.
If you run, run a few extra miles. If you Zumba, take an extra class. You get the idea.
In other words prepare your body for the change in activity level.
Tip #2. Take the stairs. Yes, everyone knows this one, but few actually do it. We have
a rule that we never use the elevator on a cruise (unless it's to transport luggage
or entertain our 5 year old). Wanna swing by the buffet? Go for it! But, take the stairs.
If the stairs don't work for you, consider starting a tradition of taking a nice walk
with your cruisemates around the promenade deck after each meal. After all, what could
be better than breathing in the salty air and talking about your plans for the next
day.
Tip #3. Go to the gym. So, yeah, there's usually a gym on the ship, and you could venture
there to pump weights or catch a yoga class, but I get it if that's not your thing. If
you're on the fence about using the ship gym, buy yourself some new workout clothes
before you sail. Sometimes new workout gear can be a terrific motivator for me.
Tip #4. Resistance bands & Squats. Not interested in flaunting your new workout gear in the
gym ... with all those mirrors and people? Resistance bands like these; pack up nicely,
and allow you to do dozens of different exercises in the comfort and privacy of your own stateroom.
Also consider some good ol' fashion squats. Yes, just like high school gym class, but
think about this; squats can be done anywhere, and squats work the entire lower body -- including
the largest muscle group in your body. In other words, it's a serious calorie burner.
And finally, Tip #5. Book an active excursion. Exercise can be fun. It's a cliché but
it's true. Book an excursion that gets your body moving. Swimming, hiking even zip-lining,
there are many active excursions to be enjoyed. One of our favorite excursions was biking
in Alaska. It was an awesome adventure, and a tremendous workout.
*Really, staying fit shipboard is just using common sense. Don't overeat, have fun, keep
moving, and yes, have the molten chocolate cake ... but take the stairs back to your
stateroom. Or, better yet; head to the buffet around lunchtime. You'll get plenty of exercise
walking back and forth looking for a seat with that heavy tray of food in your hands.
That's it for this episode. Be sure to check us out on twitter @CruiseTipsTV. Now get out
there and cruise. If you like this video, please like and subscribe. And please, share
our videos with fellow cruisers. We have more on the way. Until then, we'll see you on
the high seas