Doing some kettlebell swings during some down time in Goblin Valley.
Normally I would take a reprieve from training during our family’s spring break. After all, I was getting some exercise. We hiked every day. But the hikes were fun and enjoyable — not “training” efforts.
The fact that in less than four weeks I will be hiking from North to South across Zion National Park — about 50+ miles including sidetrips — in a day — means I needed to get some training in during my trip.
No problem. Following our adventuring in Goblin Valley State Park, Jerry, and our 4-year-old son, Fin, took a nap. Wolf and Hayden, our older sons, explored a slot canyon while I did a core and kettlebell workout. In all, it took about 12 minutes to get pretty well worked over, with no sacrifice of family time.
Another day, after our hiking in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, I did some body weight exercises in our campsite while Jerry and the boys built a fire.
On the final day of our trip, at Coral Pink Sand Dunes, I raced my sons up and down a huge sand dune. We ran, all out, up and down, only a handful of times. It was fun, and a heck of a workout to boot. (I think I’m still sore from that fun, “little” effort.)
I share this to prove that you don’t have to go to a gym, or deprive yourself of family time on a vacation, to get some high quality training in. (Thanks to my trainer and friend, Steve Bechtel, of Elemental Training Center, for influencing me in this regard.)
Kettlebell throws.
Goblet squats in a little slot canyon.
Racing our sons up a giant sand dune. (The winner gets extra s'mores.)
National Park Trips
Yellowstone International
What a great story Shelli!
I love that you were able to incorporate your workouts without sacrificing any family time while on your vacation.
Recently, in my own weight loss and exercising journey, I have found that each week I have more and more energy. I am wanting to do more this week than I was the week before, where not so long ago I’d rather just sit around in my sweatpants all day. I feel great and I truly enjoy reading the posts about you and your family adventures. Very inspiring!
THANK YOU and keep up the great work!
Shannon
Yea, heave that bell, girl. See the red dust fly!