Originally published on nytimesmag.com
Vacations are a time to relax, explore, and make memories—but according to Dallas-based fitness expert Eugene Pallisco, they don’t have to mean abandoning your fitness goals. In fact, with the right mindset and a few key strategies, you can stay active anywhere, without missing out on rest or family time.
The key? Shifting away from rigid routines and embracing what Eugene calls a “fitness-fits-life” mentality.
Fitness Beyond the Gym
Many people associate workouts with gyms and equipment, but that’s a narrow view of movement. Eugene Pallisco works with clients to build agility, power, and control—skills that can be reinforced through bodyweight training, hiking, or play-based activities.
“Movement doesn’t have to be formal,” Eugene says. “A quick workout or a long walk with your family still builds strength, coordination, and mobility.”
Bodyweight Routines That Travel With You
These low-equipment workouts are easy to plug into your day, whether at a resort, on a road trip, or staying with relatives. Eugene often recommends incorporating:
- Push-ups and planks to engage the upper body and core.
- Squats and lunges to maintain lower-body strength.
- Burpees or mountain climbers for cardio bursts.
- Mobility drills to offset stiffness from travel.
Even 15 minutes can maintain your momentum and keep your joints healthy while you’re on the go.
Active Exploration: Fun, Functional, and Family-Friendly
One of the best ways to stay fit on vacation? Build movement into the adventure itself.
Eugene encourages his clients to explore through hiking, cycling, paddleboarding, or games like frisbee or beach volleyball. These activities deliver cardiovascular benefits and build agility, without feeling like a workout.
“They keep you present, connected, and moving. That’s what fitness should feel like,” Eugene explains.
Planning with Purpose—Not Pressure
Packing a resistance band or jump rope can add variety, but the focus should remain on intentionality, not intensity. As Eugene tells clients, “Your vacation is a chance to recharge. Fitness should support that, not compete with it.”
Alternating between movement and rest allows your body to recover while keeping energy levels balanced.
Movement That Moves With You
By choosing simple, adaptable, and engaging strategies, Eugene Pallisco helps clients stay active no matter where they are. Whether it’s a sunrise stretch, a scenic hike, or a few minutes of bodyweight work, the message remains consistent: Fitness is a lifestyle, not a location.
About Eugene Pallisco
Eugene Pallisco is a Dallas-based personal trainer and fitness expert. Known for his hands-on, holistic coaching style, he helps individuals create sustainable fitness and nutrition routines tailored to their lives and goals.