Boost Your CrossFit Performance on Vacation: Training Tips Beyond the Gym

vacation crossfit training

When you're on vacation, maintaining your CrossFit progress may seem challenging without access to your regular gym.

However, with a little creativity and planning, you can still boost your CrossFit performance and stay on track with your fitness goals. In this article, we'll explore effective ways to optimize your training and continue improving even when you're away from the box.

Embrace Body weight Workouts

Body weight exercises are a convenient and effective way to stay active while traveling.

Create a routine that includes movements like push-ups, squats, lunges, burpees, and plank variations.

Take advantage of interval training with bursts of high-intensity effort, such as body weight Tabata workouts, sprint intervals, jump squats, or mountain climbers.

body weight crossfit vacation workout

This approach keeps your heart rate elevated, boosts your cardiovascular fitness and maintains your conditioning.

Vacations also provide an ideal opportunity to focus on mobility and flexibility, which are crucial for overall CrossFit performance.

Incorporate stretching, yoga, or mobility routines to improve joint mobility, range of motion, and prevent injuries. These practices can be done in your hotel room or in serene outdoor locations.

Explore Outdoor Activities

For some of us, being on holiday means no training.

Though it’s perfectly fine not to work out, moving offers too many health and fitness benefits to be avoided.

Take advantage of the new environment by engaging in outdoor activities that challenge your fitness.

Activities like hiking, swimming, cycling, or paddleboarding provide an opportunity to work on endurance, strength, and agility.

crossfit outdoor activities

Seek out local parks, trails, or beaches to incorporate these activities into your vacation routine. 

You can even turn sightseeing into an active adventure. Explore the local area by foot or rent bikes to tour the city or town you're visiting.

Walk or jog along scenic routes, climb stairs, or find parks with outdoor fitness equipment.

By combining exploration with exercise, you'll stay active and engaged while enjoying your vacation.

Work your Mental Game

Vacations provide a low-stress environment where you can practice mental training.

These are the thoughts and techniques that can help you stay calm, motivated, and focused during challenging workouts or competitions.

Practice visualization techniques, set goals for your training, and work on positive self-talk.

Engage in activities that help reduce stress and promote mental well-being, such as journaling, mindfulness, or connecting with nature. A strong mental game will enhance your performance when you return to the gym.

Read more about mental toughness strategies here.

Rest and Recovery

Resting helps prevent overuse injuries and allows your body to recover from the physical stress of training.

When you push yourself too hard without adequate rest, it can lead to fatigue, decreased performance, and an increased risk of injury.

Resting also optimizes and restores energy levels and hormonal balances. 

Remember that resting is not just about physical recovery; it's also essential for mental rejuvenation.

rest crossfit vacation

Regular breaks from training can help reduce mental fatigue, improve focus, and prevent burnout.

A refreshed mind translates to better motivation, drive, and performance when you return to your workouts.

Read more about the importance of rest days and how you should spend yours
in this blog article.

Nutrition

While on vacation, it's important to find a balance between enjoying new foods and maintaining a nutritious diet.

Embrace the opportunity to try local cuisine, but be mindful of portion sizes and make choices that align with your fitness goals.

crossfit food on holidays

Opt for lean protein sources, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats whenever possible.

Allow yourself to indulge in moderation, savoring special treats or indulgent meals, while still prioritizing overall nutrition and making conscious choices.

Conclusion

Vacations don't have to hinder your CrossFit progress!

They provide an opportunity to relax, rejuvenate, and give your body the downtime it needs. By staying active, staying present, and balancing it all with rest and recovery, you can continue improving your CrossFit performance even while outside the box.

Embracing the opportunity to diversify your training, and enjoy new experiences, will ensure that you’ll return to the gym feeling refreshed and energized.

Remember, it's about maintaining a balanced and sustainable approach to fitness that lasts beyond the vacation.

Reika Morgan

by

Reika Morgan

Reika Morgan has eight years of experience training, competing, and coaching Crossfit and Olympic weightlifting. She is a founding member of said community in Barcelona, Spain and currently works as a CrossFit coach at La Huella Workout Club.