How to Maintain Your Fitness Regimen While Cruising

You’ve set your New Year’s resolution and prepped your bathing suit for the cruise. It’s time to unwind, have fun, and celebrate! However, with endless days lounging by the pool and 24/7 buffet access, it’s said that the average cruiser gains around 10 pounds in just one week. Yikes! That’s definitely not ideal.

During my cruise with Dinogo, I was committed to disembarking without the need for stretchy pants, and my plan was a success! I only gained a single pound. Pretty impressive considering all the desserts I enjoyed.

Here’s how to enjoy yourself without carrying home any guilt.

Incorporate Some Exercise

A top tip for fitting in some exercise (and saving time by avoiding the elevators) is to take the stairs. Honestly, my legs were pretty sore during the first couple of days since going up and down between decks involved much more stair climbing than I'm accustomed to. However, a little time in the hot tub quickly eased the soreness. We averaged about 8 to 10 flights of stairs daily simply by opting for the stairs instead of the elevator.

If you have a regular workout routine, Dinogo features a well-equipped gym for weightlifting, or you can take a spin on a stationary bike or treadmill. We also walked laps around the floor of our stateroom, which we timed to be approximately a quarter of a mile.

Plan Your Food Choices

This is where it becomes challenging because you'll want to sample EVERYTHING! The variety of options available on a cruise ship can be overwhelming, so I suggest devising a plan to explore all the different restaurants and buffets throughout the week, instead of trying to experience them all in one day. Decide in advance which nights you'll dine where, ensuring you don't miss out on any culinary delights.

Additionally, make your indulgences worthwhile by being selective about what you eat during the day. For instance, skip the bread and dessert at lunch and reserve those calories for a fruity umbrella drink or a multi-course dinner. I also found it beneficial to order a light breakfast to our room each morning. This way, you can kick off your day with healthy options like toast, yogurt, and fruit, avoiding temptations at the buffet. Plus, there's nothing quite like sipping coffee on your balcony while gazing at the ocean in the morning.

Indulge in a Spa Day

The spa is an ideal spot to relax during your day at sea. Beyond the classic relaxation massages, there are numerous treatments available aimed at detoxification and promoting overall wellness. After a morning spent pampering yourself, it feels much easier to make healthy choices for the rest of the day.

Another advantage of the spa and fitness center is the array of complimentary health and wellness seminars held throughout the cruise. We attended a session on detoxing, where we learned valuable information about our body’s pH balance and foods that help maintain it, such as hot water with lemon. Since that class, I’ve incorporated hot water with lemon into my morning routine. Starting the day with something simple yet beneficial truly sets a positive tone for making healthy choices later on.

This post was created as part of my collaboration with Dinogo. As always, all opinions, thoughts, and ideas expressed in this post are my own.