UrbanUpdate

Growing up in Los Angeles, the worst winters I saw were a measly 40 degrees. But after two years in Denver, I now realize the Earth can get really cold. And it’s during a stretch of single-digit days (with wind chill) when I wish I could escape the Rockies and move to some tropical paradise until summertime.

My only concern with a vacation, however, is staying in shape and not getting fat(ter). Thankfully, there’s a way you can literally have your cake and eat it too—just combine your dream getaway with physical activities of a lifetime: hike on an iconic island volcano or scuba dive through gorgeous coral reefs and call it a “workout.”

Vacation in a warm-weather destination that’ll let you come back in better shape than when you left.

Pacific PressLegs

Make your “leg day” much more pleasant (and exotic) by hiking Mount Bromo in East Java, Indonesia, one of the most iconic mountains in all of Southeast Asia. Surrounded with natural beauty, you’ll be so mesmerized by the gorgeous views that you’ll forget you’re actually marching up an active volcano that’s 2329 meters tall, strengthening your quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves.

Upper Body and Arms

Want a wide upper body, thick forearms, and strong arms? Rock climb at Cayman Brac and enjoy routes on magnificent limestone walls as waves from the Caribbean Sea crash right underneath you. Get a solid workout on its many 5.10s or, if you like scaling New York skyscrapers, have fun on a 5.13. As an added bonus, unlike other tropical destinations for rock climbing, Cayman Brac isn’t flooded with gringos.

Island Of Yasawa, Fiji Islands (Photo by Marka/UIG via Getty Images)MarkaCore

Every man, at some point in his life, wants a six-pack—I unofficially conducted this research during something called “college.” But instead of doing planks on the floor of your hotel (gross), hop in a kayak and explore the breathtaking waters of the Yasawa Islands in Fiji. You’ll get a great core workout while paddling through the crystal clear sea and gazing at sandy beaches, coral reefs, and palm trees.

Endurance

I’ve never done a marathon—I get exhausted just driving 26 miles. But leave it to “the Kindest Marathon in the World” in the Cayman Islands to make it something even I would consider. It’s the only marathon in the world where you can run in the morning and swim with stingrays in the afternoon. And while you’re screaming at your legs and wondering why you chose to run a fucking marathon on your vacation, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Grand Cayman’s award-winning Seven Mile Beach.

Intense cardio

(GERMANY OUT) Snorkeling near an tropical island, Scin diver, split image, Papua New Guinea, Pacific ocean (Photo by Reinhard Dirscherl/ullstein bild via Getty Images)ullstein bild

Who the hell wants to do high-intensity interval training on vacation? You came to relax, not puke. But if you want to burn extra calories—especially after eating a stupid amount of food—go on a scuba diving adventure in Papua New Guinea for your trip. Coral walls, barrier reefs, majestic marine life, coral atolls, and wrecks from World War II—Papua New Guinea’s underwater beauty is unmatched. After a full day of swimming with fins, dragging around your equipment, and pushing your comfort zone, you will have earned a beer. Or four.

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