My fitness routine tends to fly out the window the second I board the airplane. But during my #adultgapyear I quickly realized I would need to find ways to stay active if I wanted to keep my clothes fitting amid all the yummy carbs around me! Here are my top 10 ways to stay in shape during your travels.
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Walk Everywhere!
This one seems a bit obvious as most travelers wind up walking 20,000 steps/day when they usually average 500 steps sitting behind a desk during the week (is that only me!?). Skip the Uber or metro ride for just one stop and choose to walk instead. You can also sign up for a local walking tour to add to your step count. I use the GuruWalk app to source traveler-reviewed guides. I love seeing the local sights on foot. Most of the time, I find a hidden gem I would never have seen otherwise!
Travel Bands
When I started my #adultgapyear I knew my access/budget would limit my ability to have a regular gym routine. As such, I bought these workout bands for easy exercise routines. They come in a handy pouch for travel and take up very little space in my backpack. These make it easy to grab a 5-10 minute arm or leg workout in your hostel or hotel to stay in shape when traveling.
Local Classes
When you travel do some research to see if local gyms offer free classes for walk-ins or first time visitors. If you are in town for longer, consider joining a gym. When I was studying Spanish in Medellin for 2 months, I joined a SmartFit, kind of like a South American Planet Fitness. They gave me a promotion price of $5 for the first month and $25 for the next - $0.50/day fit into my travel budget, but also helped motivate me to be consistent. When I housesat in Toronto, I enjoyed a 2-week pass for $45 to Rise Cycle. Look for your favorite activity and see if studios or gyms offer a discount, especially for non-residents.
Hostel or Hotel Options
Often hotels will offer a gym on site. Due to my budget, I was usually in a hostel instead. But many of those, especially in Europe and Mexico offered weekly yoga classes or HIT workouts for free or low cost. Whenever my accommodation offers a workout option, I try to incorporate it into my daily routine. I enjoyed yoga classes from Copenhagen to Tulum, so be sure to ask at check-in for weekly hostel activities.
Dancing
Countries around the world, especially in Asia and South America, exhibit locals dancing in the neighborhood squares. In Shanghai, crowds of locals do tai chi or dancing routines along the Bund or in People’s Square. In Mexico City, local street performers would attract dancers in the squares in the evenings. Wander around your city and see if locals and tourists alike have found a natural way of socializing and exercising with dance.
YouTube
Working out while traveling isn’t completely impossible! You might not have access to a local gym but turn on your Wi-Fi and head to YouTube. There are great workouts available online these days, all for free! I love Yoga with Adriene for a 30-minute relax and flow Vinyasa. My parents love this chair yoga, which is low impact stretching without any equipment. I often use this 20-minute resistance band workout as well with my travel bands! This 10-minute ab workout is a killer and requires no equipment. Commit to 30 minutes of activity to stay healthy before you start your sightseeing!
Free Outdoor Workout Parks
Have you ever wandered by a public park and seen gym equipment? All throughout Western Europe, China and even parts of South America I came across workout equipment in local parks. Some ellipticals, pull-up bars or even monkey bars and dip stations can be found. This site offers a list of 50 parks in Toronto with outdoor gym equipment. Here you can find 3 parks in Lisbon for a workout! Whenever I would come across these gyms I’d stop, even for 3 minutes for a quick workout. Every rep counts!
Rent a Bike
I love to bike. I have taken cycling classes (yes, I know spin isn’t the same thing) for the better part of my adult life, and whenever I get a chance to rent a bike when traveling, I do it! I love to explore a city or beach town via bike as you can go further than walking and create your own path (unlike on public transit). Look for a local bike shop or see if the city offers bikes along the street. Often you can simply download the app, create an account and you’re off! Some cities, like Copenhagen, are a biker’s dream!
Take the Stairs
Are you staying on the third floor? Skip the elevator and take the stairs to your room. Going upstairs at the museum? Find the stairs rather than the escalator. As a budget traveler, I often don’t have an elevator to use so this activity becomes “forced” rather than optional, but it’s a great way of staying fit while traveling.
Enjoy the Moment
Honestly, I always try to be active when I travel, but I’m also going to enjoy the moment – for me, that often means saying yes to the gelato in Italy and the beer in Germany (or really anywhere!). It also means I try to take myself out of my comfort zone and try new things – bungee jumping in Zambia, white water rafting in Montenegro, kayaking in Mexico, and scuba diving almost anywhere my budget allows. These activities don’t FEEL like exercise, but in fact are burning loads of calories. So don’t forget to do some different things on your next travel and enjoy the moment!
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Good ideas & will help motivate me!