Top Ten Cruise Fitness Features
By Karolina Shenton, The Cruise Web, Inc.
As you may already know, cruises are notorious for their food. There are ships with more than 10 restaurants on them and you can have food delivered to your room 24/7. And although this sounds wonderful--don’t worry, you don’t have to have to lose your girlish figure! Cruise lines have really upped their game when it comes to improving their gyms and fitness-based activities onboard. Now you can eat to your hearts content and burn it right back off. Here are the top 10 Cruise fitness features to take advantage of whether you are cruising to the Caribbean, Alaska or anywhere else:
10. Pilates
Ships were onboard with the Pilates trend from the start, offering classes and special equipment for those looking for a strenuous workout that uses core strength to build flexible and lean muscles. Many ships now have a full-time Pilates instructor onboard.
9. Zumba
You may have heard about Zumba from your mom or neighbor, however they might be onto something because this latest craze in exercise has proven to be perfect for cruising. Zumba combines Latin dance moves with exercise and blasts rump-shaking music to get participants going. Princess Cruises offers free Zumba classes in their dance clubs and other open spaces onboard.
8. Bikes
The bigger ships have spinning classes galore and stationary bikes that look out on the ocean. Some ships even have cutting-edge bikes with video screens so you can immerse yourself in a leisure park ride or tropical adventure with different obstacles (to optimize your workout).
7. FlowRider
This innovative feature actually lets you surf on many of the Royal Caribbean ships. Essentially, it’s a sloped pool where the water is forced up, creating fun waves. You can try to keep your balance on a surfboard, try a boogie board, or just watch as your friend’s wipeout and make fools of themselves.
6. Boxing Ring
You shouldn’t have any anger on a relaxing cruise, but just in case you need to get out some tension or stress, the full-size boxing ring available on many of Royal Caribbean’s ships is the place for you. They even have personal instructors who can help improve your ability to ‘float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.’
5. TRX
Have you heard of TRX? If not, it’s time you gave it a try. It’s a new form of exercise that uses ropes and suspension to work multiple muscles and joints at the same time. It was developed and used by the U.S. Navy Seals and now it’s available fleet wide on Norwegian cruises.
4. Fitness Consults
Ship gyms have staff that include personal trainers who can meet with you, discuss your fitness needs and help you create a routine that you can maintain on board (and even when you get back from your vacation!)
3. Therapeutic Pools
Described as ‘heaven on earth’, and ‘hot tubs on steroids’ you have to take advantage of therapy pools while on your cruise. They are currently offered on several lines, especially Holland America ships. Basically, these pools have warm water for lounging and most are in a thermal suite that boasts a heated floor, a nice treat to ease your joints after a big workout.
2. Gravity Machines
These machines use your body’s own weight as resistance. The machines are growing more and more popular on cruise ships because they’re such a great option for strength training.
1. Rock Climbing Wall
Climbing walls have become popular features on cruise ships. While this exercise is challenging, it’s also fun. Plus, there is nothing as satisfying as the triumphant moment when you get to the top. Oh and by the way, the top of the climbing wall is absolutely the best view at sea. So, you have that extra bit of motivation to get to the top!
Author Bio:
This is a guest post by The Cruise Web, a cruise-only travel agency that focuses on providing travelers with the best value for their time and money in finding and booking a cruise vacation! Our cruise consultants can help you determine which destination, itinerary and ship will give you the best cruise experience.
