Five ways to maintain your walking practice while on a cruise … and one reminder

Midnight buffets, chocolate buffets, creamy cocktails with little umbrellas. Most cruises offer so, so many ways to indulge. But we are people who walk, even when we cruise. Here are five ways to maintain your walking practice while sailing the seven seas.

1. Ashore matey

When your ship docks in a new port, head out to explore, and we know that the best way to explore a new place is on foot. Looking for something with more structure? You will likely find a variety of active excursions to choose from – look for those that involve walking tours, hikes, or nature trails.

2. The magical after-dinner walk

Research shows that even a 10-minute after-dinner walk can positively impact your blood sugar and your digestion. And there are few things as beautiful as the ocean spread out before you and the sky alight with stars above you. When you finish dinner, head straight to the walking track (pretty much every ship has one) for a few laps.

3. Explore the ship

These days, the average cruise ship is about 1,000 feet long, with between 12 and 16 decks and countless nooks and crannies. Most people don’t discover even a tiny fraction of them! Whether visiting different decks, checking out the onboard shops, or strolling through the many lounges and entertainment areas, you can accumulate steps while enjoying all of the ship’s amenities.

4. Take the stairs

Remember those 12 and 16 decks? That means a lot of stairs. Sneak in your walks throughout the day by taking the long way and skipping the crowded elevators in favor of the stairs.

5. Hit the Gym

I know, I know, who wants to be inside a gym when they are on a cruise? But chances are good, you will discover lots of equipment to play with, including treadmills with gorgeous ocean views. Fire up a favorite playlist and hop on one. Twenty minutes, perhaps a little incline … get it done!

And … one final reminder. This is vacation. This is a cruise. This is a time to enjoy yourself. Give yourself the grace and the space to kick back a bit and remember, what matters most is what you do when you get home, refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to roll.