Health aNd Fitness Guide

Taking a cruise is a sure way to beat workaday malaise. If you can also turn over a new leaf, quit smoking or shed a few pounds at the same time, you are a triple winner. Whether your goal is weight loss, toning, muscle building, a mental or physical makeover or simply stress busting, a fitness cruise can provide a controlled environment, the best equipment and the guidance of seasoned professionals.

On a fitness cruise you will ship out with a crew of chefs, dieticians, fitness experts and spa gurus who will hear your personal SOS and speed to the rescue. Once they start you on the right heading, you can sail solo for months afterwards. Choose foods from menus that offer regular, spa and heart-healthy options. Work out as much as you please, using the most modern fitness equipment in a bright room filled with other edgy, active health seekers. Sigh blissfully through spa treatments that leave you taut and tingling. They allow you to stick to the workout routine you already have or inspire you to try something new. A cruise also provides the opportunity to start a new fitness routine… away from the distractions of everyday life.

Of course, experts also warn that a cruise doesn’t guarantee a lifestyle change. Don’t forget that a vacation is still a vacation. When we are on holiday we typically consume more and exercise less. Even if a health cruise helps kick-start a get-in-shape program for some people, it’s probably not going to last. Most diets fail over time. You need a real plan, using the cruise as a starting point.

To create that plan, start well before the cruise. See your doctor, personal trainer and/or dietician. Have a goal and know how to reach it safely. Read up on the regimen you plan to follow so you will know the dos and don’ts of Pilates, yoga, the South Beach diet or whatever. Buffets are loaded with right foods and no-nos depending on your program. Know the difference.

Start now to ease into new fitness routines so you will be in shape to participate fully in the ship’s classes from the first day. Take advantage of all the perks and choices that the cruise line offers. You might also book a pre- or post- cruise stay at a hotel or resort that has a fitness center so you don’t miss a beat on your way to and from the cruise.

It is true that cruises offer temptations. However, they also offer a relaxed, nurturing atmosphere that lets you be the person you are longing to be: active, interesting, interested, discerning at the table and relentless in pursuit of the good life.

The Facts

Virtually all ships have at least some fitness equipment on board and luxury liners have enormous spas and gyms with large staffs. However, if you want to book a cruise with a specific fitness, wellness or holistic theme, here are some suggestions. For dates and itineraries see your travel agent.

Azamara Cruises now offers five themed spa treatments done in the privacy of staterooms.

Carnival Cruise Line offers Mind/Body Cruises featuring wellness seminars and cooking demos.

Costa Cruises’ Holistic Holiday at Sea on board Costa Fortuna offers more than 50 workshops on such topics as macrobiotic cooking, shiatsu massage, meditation, cancer prevention and heart disease.

Crystal Cruises’ popular Mind, Body & Spirit theme cruises has on board experts in Tai Chi, yoga and Pilates who focus on rejuvenation and wellness.

Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 has the only Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea. It offers 24 body and skin care treatment rooms, a gym with weight room and more than 50 pieces of cardio and weight training equipment, and a vast selection of spa treatments including chiropractic services. Motivational classes cover such topics as digestive concerns, aging and living with cancer.

Holland America Line highlights health with activities including Pilates, indoor cycling, yoga and, new for 2008, Tai Chi. Greenhouse Spas on each ship offer extensive choices of therapies and fitness classes include kickboxing, step aerobics, fit ball, core training, Fab Abs, total body conditioning and Sit & Be Fit.

MSC Cruise Line brings the healing arts of Bali into all its on-board spas. Experts give passengers individual assessments on healthy diet, drinks and activities. It also offers specialty cruises featuring fitness and dance classes.

Princess Cruises offers fitness and gym programs including Step Xpress, total body conditioning, Xpress Circuit, yoga Pilates, pulse cycling, KickBoXpress, aerobic dancing and power walks. Also available are one-on-one training, body composition analysis and a Chakra balancing capsule.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s fitness centers are open around the clock. In addition to activities and equipment galore the newest ships, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem have rock climbing walls and bowling alleys.

Norwegian Coastal Voyage isn’t the only cruise line to offer high energy shore excursions but its calorie-burning snowmobile adventures are unique.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises will offer a Yoga and Health theme on select sailing with wellness gurus on board to do personal consultations and lead wellness-themed shore excursions.

Royal Caribbean’s new Vitality programmed is expanding through out the fleet. Choose whatever elements of the program you like: active shore excursions such as zip-lining or jungle biking, health and wellness lectures, a makeover and an educational look at the buffet so you will know how to make wise choices.

Seabourn Cruise Line offers Massage Moments on deck. Its complimentary Pure Pampering program includes a menu of bathing experiences.

Silversea Cruises’ Wellness Program is part of the line’s Spa at Silversea concept. Fitness centers on its ships have been expanded to add cardio equipment. Pilates, yoga, aerobics and light menus are offered.

The Fun & Fitness Travel Club (fun-fitness.com) offers several fitness cruises each year. No dues are required. Another website to check out is dumpyourplump.com