Vacation Without the Guilt: How I Stayed Fit and Sharp at 61

 I just got back from a three-week family getaway to the US and Puerto Rico. To be honest, I hadn’t been on a real vacation since I was a kid. When I was planning this trip, my biggest question wasn’t about sightseeing. It was: How am I going to maintain my workout routine?

At first, I looked for hotels with gyms, but the prices were outrageous. Instead, we chose a better route. In the US, we stayed with family, and in Puerto Rico, we booked Airbnbs. Losing the traditional gym made staying active a bit more challenging, but it also made it a hell of a lot more fun.

Here is how I handled my business while creating unforgettable memories.

The No-Gym Playbook

During week one at my brother’s house, I found a nearby park with an outdoor workout area and a basketball court. I hit that park daily. I wasn’t trying to break my personal gym records; I was just aiming for consistency. I used whatever equipment was available and made sure I hit a minimum of 10,000 steps every single day. [1]

I also played a ton of basketball with my son and logged some great outdoor runs.

Mat Time and Family Bonds

Since my 10-year-old son is an MMA fighter, we spent time visiting local martial arts gyms. I didn't just sit on the sidelines and watch. I actually jumped into a couple of classes myself. Rolling on the mats in a brand-new environment was pure adrenaline, and it was incredible to share that with him.

Navigating the Food

For a lot of people, vacation means completely going off the rails with eating. I did loosen up a bit, but I stayed highly conscious of my choices.

I stick to intermittent fasting, so if I knew we were going out for a big restaurant dinner, I skipped breakfast and lunch like usual. My only real indulgence? Trading my usual black coffees for lattes.

The Takeaway: Zero Guilt

Adopting a healthy lifestyle didn’t dampen my vacation one bit. If anything, being in the best shape of my life at 61 made this trip something I will never forget.

Maintaining my health on the road wasn’t difficult. It was just a puzzle to solve—and I love a good challenge. I stuck to my "no days off" policy, felt incredible the whole time, and lived every second of the trip with zero guilt.

Thanks for reading. Stay vibrant!