Staying Fit While Traveling
Staying fit while traveling is no doubt a challenge. Tempting products are always on sale. This, coupled with a break from your regular workout routine, often leads to the fitness wagon falling off. What’s your approach to staying in shape while traveling? It’s not as hard as you think. Just stick to a few simple rules, exercise willpower, and you can return home in the same great health that you started your vacation with.
1. Walk as Much as Possible to Stay in Shape
While public transportation may sound like the easiest plan, try walking instead. Short distances are great for those who are not very fit, although the more you do, the more your health will improve while traveling. A long, brisk walk can make a big difference in keeping you fit and traveling for those who are already in good shape. Consider getting off the bus or taxi a few blocks before you can walk. Trains, of course, are also a great way to get around not only from country to country but from city to city and even within cities. Hop off the train a few stops early and take in the sights and sounds of your vacation to maximize your ability to stay fit while traveling.
2. Pack the Right Material
If you plan to stay in shape while traveling, whether you are going to be running, hiking, or even cycling, you need to make sure you have the right gear. Keep this in mind as you pack. If you have to choose between another pair of fancy shoes or a pair of sneakers, pack the sneakers. There is nothing worse than getting to a beautiful place, realizing that you want to go for a run, and not being able to because you left the right gear at home. Waking up early and going for a run is one of the best ways to see the sights. Before everyone else gets out of bed, the world is quiet and beautiful. You can’t do it in jeans and boots, though.
3. Put Aside 15 Minutes
Staying fit while traveling is all about exercise. You can’t expect to maintain muscle mass and fitness while traveling if you eat a lot of food, drink a lot of drinks, and don’t do any exercise. You only need 15 minutes each morning to get a mini-workout in. If you’re in a natural area like the beach, get out before it gets too busy and do yoga or strength training on the sand. Cardio can be achieved by running, hiking, or taking a brisk swim. YouTube has lots of great videos with ideas for short, holiday workouts to maintain and improve your fitness while traveling. Try not to overindulge in the evenings either, as this will impact your morning workouts and ultimately how fit you’ll be while traveling.
4. Stay Fit While Traveling by Eating Healthy
Delicious, buttery croissants and other treats may tempt you from behind glass counters, but it’s always a good idea to maintain a moderate amount of willpower. Eat a treat, by all means, but don’t go overboard. Get some fruit for breakfast, and a salad for lunch to help you stay on track while traveling. This way, you’ll keep your calorie count low enough to allow for a little extra indulgence for dinner.
5. Staying in Shape While Traveling Up the Stairs
If you are staying in a hotel with multiple floors, here is a great opportunity! Choose the stairs over the elevator for a quick fitness boost. This simple habit change will inject plenty of cardio into your everyday routine and set you up for a healthier trip. If you don’t have stairs or only have one flight, find some in your immediate area and run up them a few times to stay in shape while traveling.
Read more: Travel Packing Hacks
6. Ride a Bike to Stay Fit While Traveling
Just like we suggested you walk instead of taking the bus, try renting a bike instead of catching transport. Many countries will have bikes available for rent. Take the train to your nearest destination and then cycle the rest of the way. When you want to come back, just walk back to the train station and leave your bike where you found it—great for staying in shape while traveling!
7. Check Out Local Events and Stay Fit While Traveling
Many countries have local classes scheduled in cities. Yoga or exercise classes in parks or organized hikes are often available. Join these events to stay in shape while traveling. CrossFit is another worldwide phenomenon that improves fitness, so take the time to join a class, indoors or out. Your local guide or concierge should be able to point you in the right direction for these.
8. Use Train Stations and Airports as Walking Paths
As fun as train travel is, you don’t have many opportunities to exercise until you move. The same goes for planes. While you’re waiting for your flight or train, take the opportunity to plug in your headphones and take a quick walk around the terminal to help stay in shape while you travel. Make sure your luggage is secure first, though! Always leave your carry-on with someone you trust. As you walk, incorporate some lunges into your walk. You may look ridiculous, but your body will thank you later. Staying in shape while traveling is all about taking advantage of every opportunity that presents itself.
9. Pack Your Fitness Bands to Stay Fit While Traveling
The exercises are lightweight, easy to carry, and a great way to stay trim while traveling. You can set them up in your room and create a mini gym circuit in the most convenient location. Take the time each day to do a lap or five of your circuit, and you won’t feel so bad after eating all the delicious baked goods.
Read more: First Trip Abroad
10. Limit Your Alcohol
Having a cocktail by the pool or an ice-cold beer at the pub is always nice. Overdosing on it will cause your fitness to plummet. Not only from the sugar but also from the lack of motivation the next day. Have the odd drink if you want, but try to keep them to a minimum. Remember that sugary, sugary cocktails are very calorie-dense, as is beer and even white wine. Working them off to help you stay in shape while traveling will make your planned workouts that much harder.
11. Final Thoughts
Traveling is a lot of fun most of the time. However, it can be very disruptive to any fitness regime. Staying in shape while traveling means sticking to a healthy eating program and getting as much exercise as you can. Remember to limit sugary alcoholic drinks.
