On the road again and eager to stay active? No worries, we've got you covered! When travel plans keep us away from home and our usual routine, it can be tempting to give in to the same unhealthy habits that come with a new environment.
But it doesn't have to be that way! With a little creativity and planning ahead, you can easily stay fit while traveling. Consider this your guide to staying active on the go, whether you’re embarking on a business trip or taking an extended vacation.
In this article, we’ll offer helpful tips and tricks for getting your heart rate up even when exploring unfamiliar places.
So loosen up those laces and get ready to hit the ground running an active vacation you won’t soon forget—it’s time for some creative ways to keep fit while traveling!
The Benefits of Staying Fit While Traveling
You might think that travel and fitness don't mix, but believe it or not, traveling can be a great way to stay fit. Regular exercise has numerous benefits, from boosting your energy levels to helping you stay focused and productive throughout the day.
Exercise also helps keep stress levels in check and can improve your overall health.
When you take a vacation or business trip, staying fit should still be top of mind. Incorporating exercise into your travels is an excellent way to ensure that you maintain your normal routine while experiencing new destinations.
Here are some creative ways to stay active while on the go:
Take a walking tour: Walking tours are always a great option when exploring different cities. Not only do they allow you to get in some exercise, but they also offer valuable insight from locals and give you an up-close view of the city.
Join an exercise class: Many gyms offer classes for travelers where you can join for a one-time fee or a discounted rate if you’re staying for an extended period of time.
Pack portable gym equipment: Packing light is key when traveling, but don't forget to bring some basic fitness items such as resistance bands or jump rope that don't take up much space in your suitcase.
Exercising at the Accommodation
You don't need to leave your accommodation to exercise when you're traveling. There are plenty of ways to keep fit right at home.
To start off, you could use the living space in your accommodation as a mini gym. Push-ups and yoga poses can be done anywhere, while a sturdy chair or even your bed can be a great substitute for weightlifting exercises.
Got access to a pool? Swimming is an excellent way to get a full body workout without putting pressure on your joints.
If you're looking for more structure, there are plenty of online tutorials that can provide scheduled workouts and exercises. It's best to pick something that fits the resources available in your room—like using furniture for resistance training or using your phone as an audio guide for yoga poses.
Or do whatever gets you moving and having fun—try out dance tutorials or improvise with no-equipment routines!
Exploring Outdoor Options for Exercise
When you're out and about exploring new places, there's no reason why you can't make the most of it with a little bit of exercise.
The best way to keep fit while traveling is to take advantage of the great outdoors. Whether you're looking for a light stroll or an intense workout, there are plenty of options available when you get creative.
Urban Hiking
Urban hiking is perfect for those who want to experience a city on foot. Why not map out your route and make sure it takes in all the main landmarks? You never know what you might find along the way!
Open-Air Gyms
Outdoor gyms are becoming increasingly common in parks across the world, providing an opportunity to get in some hardcore HIIT training while taking in the views. Look up open-air gyms in your destination before you leave, then make sure it fits with your sightseeing plans.
Try Something New
Travel can be the perfect opportunity to try something different—why not give paddleboarding or kayaking a go? Or maybe even hit up a local park or beach for some yoga? Make sure you dress accordingly and practice safety first!
Incorporating Exercise Into Sightseeing
When you’re traveling, it can be difficult to stay fit. But why not take the opportunity to combine exercise with sightseeing? It’ll keep you active and help you learn about the area at the same time.
Here are some easy ways you can stay fit while traveling:
Discover Nature on a Hike
One way to get in a workout and explore the area is to go on a hike. You can pick a scenic trail and spend your day walking and admiring the beautiful countryside. Walking in nature is associated with a range of health benefits, too.
Pack your own snack, so you don’t have to worry about stopping too often, and take plenty of water with you so you don't get dehydrated during your adventure.
Take Up Cycling
Another great way to see an area is by cycling. Select a route that will allow you to soak up the sights while also getting some exercise in. You can even rent bikes in most cities, which allows for spontaneous exercise wherever you are!
Check Out Some Local Sports
Depending on where you are, there may be local sports that allow for some friendly competition as well as bonding with other travelers or locals. If it's warm out, consider playing beach volleyball or Frisbee on the sand. Or if it's cooler out, go for a game of soccer or basketball in one of the local parks.
Most cities will have maps that display all of the parks around town—so it's easy to find one near your hotel or Airbnb!
Making Use of Fitness Centers and Classes
If you're lucky, your destination might have a fitness center either in your hotel or nearby. Or, you could always look for one through apps like ClassPass. Gyms usually have basic exercise equipment like treadmills, stationary bikes, and weights. This can help make it easier to stick with an exercise regimen.
If a traditional gym sounds boring to you, there are plenty of other alternative fitness centers to explore!
Try Local Classes
Lots of hotels offer fitness classes or host special events with local studios—check out the hotel's website or call the front desk to check if they have options that work for you.
There's nothing quite like doing something unique and holistic while exploring another city! It can be a great way to experience the local culture while staying active. Plus, it can be a great way to meet new people and make friends in the city while on your travels.
Ready-Made Solutions
If all else fails, there are plenty of travel-friendly exercises that require no equipment at all—like yoga or jogging around town for sightseeing! There are tons of apps that can provide pre-made workout routines tailored for anywhere from 10 minutes up to an hour, complete with video demonstrations so you know exactly what you're doing.
Plus, many online yoga classes offer take-anywhere sequences so you can get in those sun salutations wherever your travels take you.
Creative Ways to Stay Active on the Go
When you are traveling, staying fit can be tricky. Chances are, you don’t have your regular routine and the hotel gym might not be up to your standards. But don’t despair—it is still possible to stay active while on the go!
Take Advantage of Whatever Space is Available
If you have an indoor hotel room, use it! All sorts of workouts can be done in limited space. Bodyweight exercises like squats and push-ups can be a great way to stay active without needing anything more than what your body provides.
Also, utilize any park or open area that you find while traveling. You can get creative with running intervals or calisthenics like burpees or mountain climbers—the possibilities are really endless!
Use Online Resources
Not sure what kind of workout would best suit your travel schedule? Check out fitness apps like Strava or Fitbit for workouts tailored to your specific needs and interests. You can also follow along with YouTube workout videos from the comfort of your hotel room!
You don’t have to break a sweat every single day on vacation—but these simple ideas can help you keep your fitness routine in check while traveling. Think outside the box and get creative with exercises—you may just surprise yourself!
Conclusion
Staying fit while traveling doesn't have to be hard—with a bit of creativity and planning, you can stay fit, have fun, and make the most of your travels.
From trying out new activities to making the most of existing resources like sightseeing walks and bike tours to packing the right gear and doing regular workouts, there are myriad ways to get your exercise in.
No matter where you're traveling, it’s possible to find ways to stay active and keep fit. Try new exercises, explore different cultures, and make the most of the places you visit.
By combining creativity and a bit of planning, you can keep fit and enjoy your travels to the fullest!
Further Reading:
Get Your Dream Flat Stomach in No Time With the Right Diet and Exercise Plan
Get up and Moving: Tips for Finding Time for Exercise
10 Reasons to Try Pilates and Feel the Positive Health Effects
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