Maintaining a fitness routine to stay active while travelling can sometimes feel like a challenge but with a bit of creativity it’s entirely doable. Whether you’re jetting off on a holiday or have work commitments away from home, your fitness level doesn’t have to fall by the wayside. In fact, travelling can be a brilliant opportunity to shake up your usual routine and keep your fitness fresh. Let’s explore how you can stay active while travelling, no matter where you are or what your plans look like.
Pack Light, Train Anywhere: Bodyweight Exercises
One of the most convenient ways to stay active while travelling is with bodyweight exercises. You don’t need a gym or any equipment – just yourself and a bit of space. These exercises are perfect for small hotel rooms or outdoor spots like parks and beaches.
Here’s a simple bodyweight routine you can try, whether you’re in your hotel room or outside enjoying the local scenery:
- Push-ups: Great for working your chest, shoulders and triceps. If you’re not able to manage full push-ups, try them on your knees or against a wall.
- Squats: A brilliant way to tone your legs and glutes. You can increase the intensity by adding a jump at the end or by holding a suitcase for extra resistance.
- Planks: Excellent for core strength. Start with 30 seconds and work your way up to longer holds as you build strength.
- Lunges: Ideal for working your legs and improving balance. Step out into a lunge, hold and return, alternating between legs.
- Burpees: If you’re after a full-body challenge that also gets your heart rate up, burpees will do the trick.
You can mix these exercises into a short circuit, repeating each one for 30-60 seconds before moving on to the next. Not only does this give you a full workout to stay active while travelling, but it can be done in as little as 20 minutes.
Find Local Gyms and Fitness Classes
If you’re someone who enjoys gym equipment or a more structured workout, finding a local gym or fitness class might be your best bet to stay active while travelling. Many gyms offer day passes or short-term memberships, which can be handy if you’re staying somewhere for a week or two. Websites and apps like ClassPass can help you locate nearby options, whether you prefer a quick session on the treadmill or a relaxing yoga class.
If you’re staying in a larger hotel, check to see if they have an on-site gym. Hotel gyms may not always have the latest equipment, but they often have the essentials: a treadmill, some dumbbells and maybe a bike or an elliptical machine. Enough for a solid workout to keep you moving!
Active Sightseeing: Walk, Cycle, or Hike
Travelling often involves exploring new places, and this can be the perfect opportunity to get some exercise in. Walking is one of the simplest ways to stay active while travelling and discover your surroundings at the same time. Ditch the taxis or public transport and hit the pavement instead. Whether you’re wandering through bustling city streets or along scenic coastal paths, walking not only helps you keep active but also allows you to take in your destination from a new perspective.
Many cities also offer bike hire schemes. Cycling is a fantastic way to cover more ground while still keeping fit. It’s especially useful in areas where public transport isn’t as accessible or if you’re keen on a more eco-friendly mode of travel. If you’re heading somewhere rural or mountainous, consider a hike. National parks and local trails provide plenty of options to stretch your legs and stay active while travelling while soaking up the beauty of nature.
Plan Ahead: Incorporate Activity Into Your Schedule
Travelling doesn’t mean sacrificing your fitness goals. With a bit of planning, you can easily integrate activity into your itinerary without it feeling forced or inconvenient. Before setting off, look at your schedule and identify moments where you can add in some physical activity. Got a spare hour in the morning? That’s the perfect time for a quick run or a bodyweight workout to stay active while travelling. Even a simple 10-minute stretch routine before bed can make a difference.
If you’re heading to a city, research the area beforehand to find out about local parks, scenic routes or nearby trails. Many cities also offer free outdoor fitness classes in the warmer months, so check out community boards or social media pages for events during your stay. Some destinations even have fitness-based tours, like running tours or cycling excursions, which can be a fun way to combine sightseeing with a workout.
Stay Consistent: Use Fitness Apps and Videos
When access to a gym or outdoor activity is limited, fitness apps and online workout videos can be a lifesaver. There are countless free apps and platforms that offer guided workouts of all types and intensities, from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to Pilates and yoga. You can tailor your workout to the time and space available, whether you have a full hour or just 15 minutes before heading out for the day.
Downloading a few workout apps before you travel can help ensure you’ve always got something on hand. Many apps offer offline access to videos, so you can still work out even if your Wi-Fi connection is spotty. Plus, with a range of difficulty levels, these apps cater to all fitness levels, making it easy to stay active while travelling no matter where you are on your fitness journey.
Keep Moving, Even During Travel Days
Long flights, bus rides and train journeys can leave you feeling stiff and sluggish. On travel days, it’s essential to find little ways to stay active while travelling, even if you’re stuck in a seat for hours. Simple things like taking a walk around the airport during a layover or doing some light stretching before boarding can make a big difference by helping you to stay active while travelling. During the journey, stand up and stretch whenever you get the chance, and if you’re on a long-haul flight try walking up and down the aisle every couple of hours to get the blood flowing.
Once you reach your destination, a quick walk or stretch can help shake off the stiffness from sitting. If you’ve got access to a pool, a swim is a fantastic low-impact way to loosen up after a long journey while still giving your muscles a good workout.
Make Fitness a Fun Part of Your Travel Experience
Finding ways to stay active while travelling doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Instead, see it as an opportunity to experience new places in a different way. From bodyweight exercises to exploring on foot, incorporating fitness into your travel plans can make your trip more enjoyable and help you return home feeling energised. By thinking creatively and using the resources around you, you can keep up with your fitness routine no matter where you are.
Remember, fitness is about staying flexible – in your body and in your plans!
With these tips, finding ways to stay active while travelling will become less of a challenge and more of an exciting part of your adventure. So, next time you’re heading off on a trip, pack your trainers and get moving – your body will thank you later.
