When strolling along a sandy beach in a tropical destination or exploring the winding roads of an ancient European city, you are unlikely to miss the mundane tasks of real life.
However, for many people, one routine they are not willing to leave at home is their commitment to stay fit while traveling.
Whether you want to ensure you stick to your personal fitness goals or simply want to include more exercise into your daily routine, there are many easy and sustainable ways to practice healthy habits and stay fit while traveling. So pack your favorite women’s running shoes and embrace the numerous benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
1. Strategically Pack Workout Gear
Before you even leave your house, it is worthwhile thinking about the workout essentials you may need while traveling, including items like shorts, leggings, vests, and proper running shoes. These essentials should be options that you regularly use while working out at home but will also take up minimal space in your luggage.
Having them on hand once you arrive is often the small motivational push you need to hit the hotel gym or explore popular local walking or hiking trails to get your steps in. Exercising on holiday or during a work trip doesn’t need to consist of a high-intensity two-hour workout, so it’s unnecessary to overpack workout clothes instead of the numerous stylish outfits you planned on wearing.
A travel packing list app can be so helpful when it comes to getting organized and making sure that you have all of the work out gear you need.
2. Prioritize Sight-Seeing
For some, dedicating time to physical activity is simply something they don’t want to worry about. For those who want to enjoy the numerous benefits of physical activity without classifying it as such, combine fitness with your tourist adventurers.
Instead of relying on public transport or taxis, choose to walk or cycle between landmarks and locations if it is safe to do so. Not only does it get your body moving in a healthy way, but it will also allow you to see and experience so much more of your surroundings that you may have missed from the comfort of a car or bus.
3. Ditch Equipment for Outdoors
Exercise while traveling often involves little to no workout equipment unless you are fortunate enough to choose a hotel with an in-house facility or access to a local gym. But this shouldn’t prevent you from getting in a decent workout.
Instead, turn your attention to the outdoors, take a brisk walk around town, or a short run along popular local trails. Alternatively, embrace the convenience of a bodyweight workout, a fantastic tool for strength and endurance training. Movements like squats, push-ups, and burpees are among the common classics, as they get your heart beating without needing specialist equipment.
4. Indulge, Don’t Overindulge
If you find yourself on your dream vacation, it is safe to assume that you will want to enjoy all aspects of your trip, including indulging in delicious cuisine and beverages. However, if you are trying to stay fit while traveling, you may be less willing to fully enjoy everything your holiday destination has to offer.
The key to a fulfilling vacation is striking a balance that allows you to savor the local delicacies while still nourishing your body. It’s about making choices that support your health and fitness goals without completely denying yourself the unique culinary experiences your destination has to offer.
If you plan to spend the day enjoying drinks by the pool, drink plenty of water at the same time. Alternatively, if you plan to eat your body weight in fresh pasta or local pizza, prioritize a healthy breakfast to get your day started.
5. Head Online
The flexibility and convenience of online workouts are invaluable while traveling. They ensure that you can adhere to your daily exercise routine no matter where you are in the world. Numerous popular and reputable online workout platforms and apps provide a diverse range of classes and exercise programs to suit all fitness levels.
Alternatively, a simple search on video platforms like YouTube or Instagram will offer a plethora of free workouts to follow for a quick morning fitness session before your day properly begins.
6. Incorporate Yoga
Long travel times in fairly compact environments can leave your body feeling cramped and tense. Practicing yoga is a fantastic way of allowing your body to properly unwind and relax, shaking off any lingering stiffness that may negatively impact your trip.
There are many simple but extremely effective yoga poses that support flexibility and stretching while promoting calming breathing techniques, culminating in an activity that will not only boost your physical wellness but your mental health, too. This is particularly beneficial for trips with packed itineraries and minimal downtime.
7. Schedule Your Workouts
Similar to how you plan activities throughout your trip, a surefire way to ensure you have sufficient time for a workout is by including it in your planning stage. Blocking out a specific period of time each day allows you to make time for movement without having to compromise on any sightseeing adventures or holiday opportunities you may be unwilling to miss.
Select a time of day that suits your regular daily schedule, as you will more likely stick to this fixed workout time. For example, if you are an early bird who prefers to explore new places before the rest of the world has woken up, you will likely benefit from a relaxing jog at the end of the evening as opposed to a morning session.
What do you like to do to stay fit while traveling? Be sure to comment below and share your tips!
