7 Ways to Stay Fit and Exercise While you are Traveling
Simply because you are away from home and traveling, it doesn’t mean that you need to neglect your fitness routine. Exercise can and should be part of your lifestyle, no matter where you happen to be. Here are some ways that you can incorporate fitness and exercise into your routine when you are traveling or on holiday.
How to Stay Fit and Exercise While you are Traveling
1. Use travel delays to take a brisk walk.
If you are traveling by air or train and you are stuck waiting at a terminal, use the time to get a bit of exercise. Stroll around the airport terminal or train station instead of spending your down time sitting – you’ll only end up bored, which will increase your odds of indulging in snacking when you are not really hungry.
2. When you arrive at your destination, take time to stretch your muscles.
Muscles tend to tighten up after a long trip. As tempting as it may sound, instead of dumping your bags and lying down immediately when you get to your destination, do some simple stretches to ward off back pain. Here’s one you can try: Bend forward from your waist and fall forward. Hug your knees with your hands and rock side to side a few times.
3. Drink plenty of water.
We already know how important water is, but this is even more relevant if you’re travelling by air. The air inside an aeroplane cabin is a lower humidity than normal, which results in dry skin and eyes, and a sore throat. You’re much more likely to become dehydrated on a long flight. It’s simple to prevent this from happening – stay topped up with water or club soda and avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol.
4. Make the most of your hotel’s fitness center
If you are staying at a hotel with a fitness center, make a point of using it during your stay. Find out the opening hours and the type of workout equipment it has available. If you are not familiar with the machines, be sure to ask how to operate them properly, and always wipe them down after you use them so that they are clean and neat for the next user.
5. Do your sightseeing on foot.
It’s tempting to stick to tour buses and taxis, but one of the best ways to explore your holiday destination is to get out and walk around. Doing some exploring on foot is a great way to get fit in a bit of exercise – after all, it’s recommended that we walk at least 10,000 steps every day to stay fit. Pack some sturdy shoes that won’t hurt your feet, bring maps or ask for suggestions of local places of interest and making a point of exploring them on foot.
6. Plan for an equipment-free workout while you are away from home.
If you are staying somewhere that doesn’t have a fitness centre, it does not mean that you can’t exercise. You can still do jumping jacks, lunges, pushups and sit-ups in your hotel room. Use full water bottles as substitutes for weights while you are on holiday to do some simple strength training exercises for your arms as well.
7. Set aside 30 minutes first thing in the morning to exercise.
Since your days on holiday may be busy with activities, you may find that you are too tired to exercise later in the day. Set your alarm a half hour early to go to the hotel fitness centre or work out in your room. That’s all the time you need to stay on track with your fitness goals while you are on holiday.
By working out first thing in the morning, you’ll get all the benefits of exercise and you’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, shopping, gong to local restaurants and attractions or simply taking some much needed time to relax. If you leave exercise until later in the day, you will either be distracted with other things on your to-do list that you will put it off or you will be too tired to stop to work out.
If staying fit is going to be a priority in your life, you need to make time for it, whether you are traveling or not. These suggestions will make it much easier for you to work it into your schedule.
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