Want to keep fit at sea? Read more about how you can stay in shape on your cruise.

On Sunday I took part in the ‘We Love Manchester’ 10K run. My first ever 10K, I must admit I wasn’t very confident before the race but I was running for a charity close to my heart so I knew this would get me through it if nothing else!

Before I had my little girl I used to always be at the gym and I kept myself reasonably fit. Sofia arrived and I’m afraid to say that was the end of that! Being mummy took over as I’m sure it does too many mums. Anyway 3 months ago I decided I was going to take part in the Manchester race so it was time to get fit and quick!

Taking part in the run was  fantastic and I enjoyed it much more than I ever expected to do, and I have to say I was really proud of myself.  I’m now determined to keep up my running and keep myself fit especially now holiday season is here.

I know that as soon as I book a cruise the bikini diet begins. I work really hard shifting those few extra pounds only to get on board and put them all back on! They say it’s possible to put a pound a day on every day of your cruise!!! So 14 days..well you can do the maths!

So it got me thinking, could I go on my cruise and eat and drink what I wanted to without putting on those extra pounds? Well the answer is yes, you can keep fit and choose your own way to exercise on board your cruise…so there really are no excuses.

Here are just some of the ways you can keep fit whilst cruising.

Visit the Gym….most cruise ships have a fully equipped gym. On the newer cruise ships they have amazing gym facilities that are easily as good your own gym back at home. They have state of the art equipment and are included in your cruise holiday so no extra charge. I remember my cruise on board the Independence of the Seas where there  is a fantastic gym on one of the top decks. I used the gym early in the mornings on this cruise, the views through the huge windows were amazing, I even saw dolphins whilst running on the tread mill.

Exercise Classes….if you are not a gym person, they you can try out the classes. Usually a small charge for these classes, and always very popular I would say book these in advance so you don’t miss your favourite one. You can try Yoga, Pilates, Boxing, and lots of others.

The Running Track…this is one of my favourite ways to keep fit on a cruise. The running track is a great outdoors option and on the huge cruise ships you can definately clock up the miles. Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas’ running track is almost half a mile! Just a few laps for 10k!

Outdoors activities…maybe have a game of basketball or football. You could try rock climbing, swimming or surfing. Check out what your cruise ship has to offer, you would be amazed at just what you can do on a ship these days…you can even try out a Zip Wire!

Choose an excursion that involves walking…One of the best ways to keep fit whilst not feeling like you are doing exercise. Take a look at the excursions on offer and choose one that involves lots of walking and maybe hiking. A great way to keep fit whilst enjoying your day exploring in port.

Body wraps….get rid of those extra pounds with a body wrap treatment in the spa! Sounds like heaven…loose inches whilst lying down!

If none of the above appeal to you whilst you are on your cruise then my last way to keep fit is to take the stairs instead of the lifts…with as many as 14 decks and more on some ships this will certainly be a good way to exercise those legs!

So there really is no excuse not to keep fit whilst on your cruise holiday…that is of course if you want to!

Do you go on holiday to relax and do as little as possible exercise wise or do you enjoy keeping fit whilst on board?

I would love to hear your thoughts as always.