Running from the Hotel Gym

If you are like me, and have ever based your choice of hotel on the fact that it had a gym -this may sound familiar!  You imagine you will exercise diligently and upon returning from your vacation your friends will eye your physique enviously. What really happens is that after sizing up the one worn out treadmill, exercise bike and rack of free weights (adjust imagined equipment  according to the star rating of your hotel) you beat a retreat promising to return tomorrow- never to return.

So what’s a girl (or boy) to do if any excuse to avoid the gym on vacation is a good one but the desire for toned thighs is non-negotiable?  Sightseeing Runs  and Jogging Tours  are an easy way to get your daily dose of exercise, and instead of the same old ipod playlist, you get a fit runner guide to fill you in on the juicy history of the city and landmarks you pass.

If pounding the pavements is too much like hard work, how about a bit of gentle peddling?  No, not selling vacuums door to door- I am talking about bicycle tours. There are a variety of companies offering these and due to London’s extensive network of cycle paths and large parks it is highly unlikely you will turn around and discover a bus breathing down your neck.

 Then again if you’re simply too busy, too tired or too lazy to do any type of exercise on vacation and prefer instead to sample some delicious British comfort food , I quite understand!

Contributing Editor – Anna Hegedus

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