Geared Up – Westin Runs with New Balance

Traveling and forgot your workout gear? No room in your suitcase to bring it? You can no longer make excuses for neglecting your fitness routine when staying at the Westin Gaslamp in San Diego. It can be difficult to keep up with your daily routine when on vacation or traveling for work. How many times during packing have you starred at your full suitcase wondering, am I really going to workout? Is it worth it to bring the shoes, socks, and outfits with me?

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Staying in shape on a cruise: Make a fitness schedule

I know, you’re on vacation and the last thing you want to worry about is working out.  However, it’s important to stick to a routine. Since my upcoming cruise is 15 nights, I need to settle into some type of normalcy as that adds up to a lot of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners which all are filled with lots of temptations.   I always make a fitness schedule before a cruise, that way I know my expectations and it helps me stick to the plan.

Holland America ms Prinsendam Fitness Center

When I get on a new ship, one of the first things I do is go on a tour to become familiar with everything. I always go to the fitness center and look at the facilities.  This way, I’m already comfortable and know where I’m going when I decide to work-out.  It makes walking in the first time a lot easier.

Celebrity Century Fitness Room

For more information on the fitness rooms at sea, read my previous post, "Want the best view on a Cruise Ship? Jump on a Treadmill."

Since I enjoy being active, I’ll typically take advantage of a port day to get out of the fitness room and enjoy my time in a new place.  For instance, here are a few activities that I plan on doing while in port:

Kayaking
Approximately 375 calories burned per hour during a moderate, steady paddle (based on a 165lb person) according to www.livestrong.com 

Snorkeling
Approximately 250 calories burned per hour (based on a 165lb person) according to www.fitday.com

Hiking
Approximately 430 and 440 calories per hour of hiking, depends on terrain (based on 160lb person) according to www.livestrong.com

Walking
Approximately 358 calories when walking at 4 mph  (based on 150lb person) according to www.livestrong.com

FreshCruiser Tip: And of course, I always take the stairs on the cruise ship to burn a few more calories.

Princess Cruises focuses on fitness with the announcement of the Royal Princess Fitness Facilities

With the Royal Princess debuting in June, Princess Cruises announced the sports and fitness features that will be aboard. Royal Princess’ fitness facilities will include a Jogging Track, Sports Central and Fitness Center. The ship’s fitness plans have something for all athletic abilities.  

Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises - Royal Princess Center Court

“Many of our passengers are very active on vacation,” said Jan Swartz, executive vice president for Princess Cruises. “These new facilities will offer them state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge classes to keep up – or even step up – their fitness routines at sea.”

Sticking with your Routine

If you work out regularly at home, you’ll probably want to keep up with your exercise routine while on vacation. I always research what type of facilities a hotel or cruise has to offer before leaving to try and create a plan so I don’t feel guilty for taking a day or two off. 

I was extremely intrigued by the plans for the Jogging Track on the Royal Princess as I enjoy working-out outside whenever I can.  In addition to a double-lane jogging track with separate paths for runners and walkers, the Royal Princess will feature a circuit program along the track.  This addition adds function and makes running around the deck less boring as you can run in intervals and stop to at the exercise stations along the track, making time fly by while burning calories.   

Trying something new

Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises

The Royal Princess will feature a private aerobics studio at the back of the gym for a variety of fitness classes.  One of the fitness classes is MyRide, which is “a new era in indoor cycling, MyRide offers the opportunity to ride through inspiring scenic landscapes from around the world, with varying levels of intensity controlled by the user.” I enjoy going to spinning classes so this is definitely something I would check out if I were a passenger.

No excuses, you have time  
You’re away from work, errands, and finally have some time for yourself.  Explore new fitness options while you have the time and a great way to find something you like and continue it after the cruise.

Princess Cruises will help lay the foundation for a successful program at home. Participants in Body Sculpt Boot Camp will receive a take-home poster/program which outlines all the exercises and breaks the program up into four manageable workouts so you can continue their workouts after the cruise. I love how the experiences can be long-lasting. Additional class options include TRX^® suspension training bodyweight and Chi Ball Yoga.

Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises - Royal Princess

The other fitness facilities on Royal Princess include Princess Sports Central, which is  the multi-sport area that is designed to offer a collection of fun options, including court games, lawn activities and a lounge for virtual gaming. The Fitness Center pairs a state-of-the-art gym with spectacular ocean views.

Click here to view a video of the future activities on board the Royal Princess.

The 3,600-passenger Royal Princess is currently under construction for Princess Cruises. The ship’s 2013 maiden season will include cruises on the line’s signature Grand Mediterranean itinerary throughout the summer, followed by Eastern Caribbean cruises beginning in the fall. Click here to read the full press release from Princess Cruises.

FreshCruiser Tip: Most equipment will feature personal TV screens, which makes a big difference as why watch the morning news in bed when you can view it while getting some exercise? Start your day this way and I guarantee you’ll have more energy.