A family road trip is a great way to make memories with the people you love. But along with all the adventure, you can expect challenges. What’s the key to making the journey as pleasurable as the destination? Preparation. A little planning will go a long way toward making your road trip easy, fun, and memorable — in a good way. CHECK FOR VEHICLE SAFETY. Your trip's safety depends on your car's safety, so a thorough vehicle inspection is essential. This includes checking tires, brakes, lights, and fluid levels. A professional assessment can provide added peace of mind if your car hasn’t been to the mechanic recently. And don’t forget the emergency kit. At a minimum, you need a spare tire, jumper cables, first-aid supplies, and basic tools. PACK ESSENTIALS. Road trips can quickly head south (figuratively!) without the necessities. Packing healthy snacks and plenty of water will keep everyone hydrated and satisfied between meal breaks. Bringing pillows, blankets, and loose-fitting clothing will ensure comfort on long drives. And don’t forget the entertainment. Create playlists to cut down on disputes over the radio, and bring audiobooks and travel games for when you need a break from the music. PLAN THE ROUTE. GPS devices and smartphone apps make modern travel a breeze with real-time directions and traffic updates. However, some areas of the country have poor cell service. Downloading your route before your trip can avoid the headache of spotty internet service. It’s also wise to bookmark any stops you plan to make. This includes roadside attractions and rest areas for restrooms and meal breaks. SET THE GROUND RULES. Families often forget to review their rules for car travel. Setting expectations early on can make all the difference. Start by establishing rules for in-car behavior — no screaming, arguing, or distracting the driver. Then, to make it easier to maintain the peace, involve the kids in creating a list of car-friendly activities. Consider implementing a rotation system for seating, snack selection, and playlist control to help keep things under control. While you likely have a destination goal, road trips are just as much about the time you spend getting there. By following a few tips, you can have a great family adventure. Family Road Trips Done Right Tips for Traveling With Your Crew
When getting in shape and sticking to an exercise routine can feel like an uphill battle, it doesn’t have to. Current studies show that we should strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Moderate is defined as walking 2 miles in 30 minutes or biking 5 miles in the same amount of time at a rate that requires some effort to hold a conversation. THE HIDDEN BENEFITS OF LOVING YOUR DAILY WORKOUT Find an Exercise Routine You Can Stick To
With these guidelines in mind, it’s time to reset your workout expectations with these three tips to help you find a program you can stick with.
CHOOSE SOMETHING YOU ENJOY. It’s okay if lining up at dawn to enter a CrossFit gym isn’t your thing. There’s nothing worse than dreading daily trips to a weight room when you’d rather be out hiking or playing a competitive sport. The important thing is to do what you enjoy. If it’s easier to exercise with friends, ask at your gym for groups that meet there or find other people who want to work out with a group on social media. BREAK THE 150-MINUTE GOAL INTO SMALLER, ACHIEVABLE INCREMENTS. If you like jogging, rather than running for 30 minutes five days a week, substitute cycling — either outdoors or inside on a stationary bike — every other day to take the pressure off your feet and joints. Three 10-minute workouts rather than one long session is also fine. Whatever feels good for you and keeps you giving your best effort each workout. TRACK YOUR SESSIONS AND REWARD YOURSELF. Keeping a calendar of your successes helps make your good habits tangible. If you need a boost, look for different yoga, dance, or martial arts classes to incorporate into your schedule. After 30 days of success, give yourself a treat, whatever may be motivational. The bottom line is that exercise should be enjoyable if you’re going to stick with it. Don’t beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon. The voice in your head should be encouraging, the way you would speak to a friend who’s struggling. Give yourself time to establish your new routine. If you choose activities you enjoy, taking time for yourself will be a pleasure. You’ll start looking forward to your exercise routine and be more likely to stick with it over the long term.
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