Exercise and Relaxation for Your Summer Vacation

There’s nothing I love more than summer family vacations. They provide the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge, to get outdoors together, and to enjoy quality family time. We’ve been lucky enough to experience a variety of different vacations in Ontario over the years, but I’m particularly excited that this year part of our summer holidays will be spent at the YMC Clevelands House Family Getaway from August 15th-18th.

And guess what? You’re invited too!

Our family has three main priorities on our summer vacations. The primary focus—and I’d be willing to bet for most families—is relaxation. Lazy afternoons reading a good book is a definite favourite! But we also make a point of staying active, playing our favourite sports or trying new outdoor adventures. My husband loves to golf, while I often find a local yoga class and explore new running trails. And swimming, hiking and getting out in nature are always a big part of our days with the kids. Our third priority is family meals together because—despite our best intentions during the regular school year/work weeks—eating together as a family isn’t always possible.

Generally, my husband and I aim to find a balance of individual time, time with the kids, and time alone together. It’s so important to reconnect with one another outside of our daily stressors, and I love having so many special summer memories to look back upon.

Clevelands House Resort couldn’t be a better fit for a family vacation for us. It's one of the best Ontario resorts for kids. in Located on Lake Rosseau in the Muskokas (one of my favourite areas of Ontario), the view from the resort alone gives me an instant sense of calm.

Clevelands House offers the perfect mix of relaxation, activities, and fine dining. With golf, swimming, tennis, fitness facilities, boat rentals, and topnotch programs for kids of all ages, I know we’ll be able to carve out family time and alone time, with the added the bonus of hanging out with the other fabulous YMC families.

I have fond memories spending time at Clevelands House as a teenager. I clearly remember thinking how awesome it would be to work there one summer. Well, my dream finally came true! While I won’t exactly be working there, I’m thrilled to be teaching yoga for the YMC weekend getaway. On top of a fun-filled and chilled-out weekend for my family, I get to share my love of yoga and add a little extra zen to the weekend. I can’t wait!

If you’re looking for a summer vacay where you can connect with your family and fit in some serious R&R, come and be part of the YMC Clevelands House Family Getaway. Hope to see you by the pool!

And, whether you’re joining us or not, here are three tips for getting outdoors to exercise when on vacation this summer:

1. Try an outdoor yoga practice

The beauty about doing yoga outdoors is you don’t even need a mat. And you can do your poses solo or with the whole family. It’s a great way to start the day. Try out one of my favourite summer yoga sequences.

2. Have a family hiking adventure

There are always new places to explore. Find a trail or path near where you’re vacationing. My kids like to take bags or baskets and collect twigs, rocks, leaves, etc., and more often than not our family hikes turn into nature walks.

3. Choose a fave family activity each day

Let each family member pick an outdoor activity for everyone to do on “his or her day.” It gives the kids a sense of pride in their favourite activities, and it makes for some interesting escapades.

Happy summer to you all!