Fitness Vacations: Far & Near

If you've ever come back from vacation feeling exhausted, perhaps it's time you consider taking a restorative fitness vacation. "Vacations planned around athletic activities, spa treatments, and yoga/meditation retreats are becoming very popular among baby boomers," said Kim Marshall, founder and director of The Marshall Plan, a wellness industry marketing firm based in Pacific Palisades, CA.

"More and more boomers want to use their vacations to rejuvenate themselves," said Marshall. "They've moved beyond wanting to lie on the beach and drink pina coladas all day like they did when they were in their 20s and 30s."

To start getting in touch with yourself and your vacation spot, get off the airplane, the bus, and the car and start walking. See if you can find a walking tour guidebook and map that will help you find some off-the-beaten-path hidden gems.

Even if you're visiting relatives, it's possible to plan some healing exercise. Find out if there are hiking trails, ski areas, jogging paths, public parks or lakes nearby, and plan workouts around the local attractions.

Stuck at home? You can still have a restorative fitness vacation. Start by rising 10 minutes earlier each day to do stretching exercises, and cook a healthy breakfast. Spend the morning working out to fitness videos, which can usually be found at your public library.

In the afternoons, make the rounds of your local health clubs, the Y, yoga studios or swimming clubs. Many offer free classes or training sessions to potential new members.

To wind up your at-home fitness vacation, hair and makeup artist Renata Elden of Los Angeles offers this luxurious spa treatment: Start by mixing a half cup each of salt, sugar and almond oil. Add a few drops of your favorite cologne or perfume. Rub the mixture all over the skin, making small circles with your fingertips. Rinse thoroughly, smooth on some moisturizer and bask in the glow.