It’s no secret that staying healthy while on the move can be difficult, but travelling doesn’t need to stunt your fitness goals. Read on to discover 10 ways to stay fit while travelling.
When we’re travelling, we can often feel like it’s time to indulge and treat ourselves. We know it’s easy to get carried away with so much to see and do, and sometimes squeezing time in for a daily workout can be a struggle. Although there may not always be access to a fully equipped gym, there are many other ways to stay in shape whilst on the move. Discover 10 ways to stay fit while travelling below:
1. Work out in your hotel room
No gym, no problem. Not all hotels have a fitness centre and if you decide to stay in an Airbnb, it’s more than likely you won’t have access to a gym either. However, that shouldn’t take away from being able to sweat off that extra slice of pizza. With plenty of workout apps and videos on YouTube, bodyweight exercises will get the job done. If you still want to crank the intensity up, then take part in a HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workout. You give maximum effort in quick and intense exercises followed by little rest. These workouts will get the blood pumping and keep the heart rate up.
2. Go for a run
Research local running routes or find the nearest park and get outdoors! Going for a run in a new destination is a great way to find your bearings and make interesting discoveries. Stumbling upon a beautiful monument, seeing the sun rise over a quiet bay or clocking an interesting restaurant to visit later in the day are just some of the added benefits of going for a run while travelling.
3. Walk everywhere
Everyone knows that the best way to see the sights of any new city is by foot. So, skip the bus, train, metro or taxi – make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes – and get out there. Not only will you save some money but you will also discover things that you would otherwise miss. Or why not join a guided walking tour to learn about your destination from a trusted guide. A walking tour is a great opportunity to get those steps in whilst exploring – your pedometer will thank you!
4. Book a hotel with a gym
An incentive that might make you more motivated to stay fit on your next trip is to book a hotel that has a gym in it. Having the luxury of going from your room to the gym in a matter of seconds will help free more time to explore that new destination. Hotel fitness centres might not have all the workout machines and weights as a local gym, but there will be enough equipment for those who have a strict workout program to follow when on the road.
5. Bring a skipping rope with you
It barely takes up any space and is easy to store in your luggage. Skipping is a great way to perform cardio while also working out numerous muscle groups in the body. This fun and efficient way of performing cardio will get your heart rate up quickly. Once you get the hang of it, you can execute different jumps at different paces or even dance as you skip rope. More experienced users can purchase a weighted skipping rope to intensify their workout and feel the burn!
6. Stay hydrated
Hydration, hydration, hydration! Often times when we travel, we get caught up in the moment and the last thing that comes to mind is our water intake. Drinking enough water is key for staying healthy and energised throughout long days of exploring new cities. We can go hours without realising we haven’t taken a sip of water. Invest in a water bottle that has a tracker on it to help you stay on top of your hydration.
7. Book an active excursion
Depending on your travel destination, booking an active excursion is a great way to stay fit and healthy while travelling. Whether it’s kayaking, hiking, mountain biking rock-climbing, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing or skiing, the options to stay active are endless. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or trying something for the first time, an active excursion will get your adrenaline pumping.
8. Make healthy food choices
One of the best things about travelling to new places is tasting the local cuisine – and treating yourself to an extra cocktail at happy hour is all part of the fun too! But, at the end of the day, you can’t out train a bad diet. Of course, you can indulge in that mouth-watering pizza whilst in Naples, or that juicy burger whilst in New York, but try and limit big calorie meals like this to once a day. Fill up with a healthy breakfast, pack your own lunch and bring some healthy snacks to keep your hanger at bay throughout the day.
9. Hire bikes to get around
Some cities were designed with cycling in mind (like Amsterdam). Going on a bicycle tour or renting one to get around your destination is a great way to stay fit whilst travelling. Of course, taking a metro from one side of a city to the other is a great time saver but you miss seeing so many of the sights. Cycling allows you to see so much more of a city and is fun at the same time!
10. Make sure to leave room in your schedule
The last way to stay fit whilst travelling might be the most important one; making the time to do so. It seems like there aren’t enough hours in a day at times, and when we travel it feels like there are even fewer. We usually plan out our days with sightseeing activities, the best restaurants to try but do you include a workout? Whether it is right after you wake up or before heading out to explore the new city, make sure that you set aside time in your schedule to exercise. Otherwise, it will be easier to say, “okay I’ll do it tomorrow.”