One of the unique parts of a cruise vacation is the dining experience. Specifically, the ability we have to try new things on the menu that we may or may not like. If we do, great, its something we can look for on menus back on land. If what we try does not suit us, that’s no problem either, the waiter will bring us something else. Its part of the deal on a cruise vacation and a mindset that if applied to fitness and eating right might get us on the right track to a healthy lifestyle.
On just about any cruise ship sailing, there are plenty of healthy options from which to choose. But we know that those ten pounds gained on a 7-day cruise vacation, where fabulous food options are available 24/7, can go away with some work after sailing. Here’s a different idea:
Why not start the exercise and healthy eating the first day of the cruise, rather than the first day we return?
Think about it. Fully-staffed cruise ship fitness centers, equipped with the latest machines and expertly trained instructors come along for the ride, just waiting for passengers to stop by. Cruise lines feature popular classes, instruction and fitness programs as part of the deal that we might have to pay for on land. But for many cruise passengers, working out means taking the stairs instead of the elevator at best and that usually only lasts a few days.
If the topic of fitness and a healthy lifestyle at sea comes up and we think: boring, too much work, pool by day then casino by night, something someone else does or similar thoughts that’s fine, have a good time and be prepared to pay the price at the end of the sailing.
But looking just a bit down the road, perhaps remembering that weight gain from the last cruise vacation, we can take advantage of some unique opportunities while sailing. Culinary options include everything from healthy choices on the menu to cooking classes that will teach us how to make things that are good for us and taste good too, a pairing that is often elusive on land. Everything from ropes courses and active on-deck activities to active lifestyle shore excursions with experts along for the ride are waiting for us.
One of the best parts: Odds are you will never see any of the people on that cruise ship ever again. If you always wanted to play basketball but thought you would look silly doing so, now is your time. Curious about an fitness class a co-worker takes on land? Check it out on board. If you totally fail, fall flat on your face, are horrible at it and care what other people think about you, this is the place to do it. Better yet, odds are it is free, included in the price of the cruise. You can fail miserably and it did not cost a dime.
On the other hand, if you happen to be surprisingly good at something tried on a cruise ship or turn out to enjoy doing it even if you are not good at it, you come home with something that could be a lifelong pleasure and contribute to overall happiness.
Cruise lines make it easy
Getting active on a Royal Caribbean ship, for example, is more than just hitting the gym, guests can surf a wave, climb a rock wall, or go ice skating while on their cruise vacation. Some ships even feature a boxing ring or a zip line to add to the fitness options as we see in this video
Photo- Chris Owen
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