Traveling gives us the chance to escape from the monotony of our daily routine and experience the excitement of a new location. For many of us, that means abandoning our usual diet and fitness habits to indulge in new adventures. Everyone deserves a “cheat day” here and there but traveling shouldn’t provide an excuse to neglect your health. While it’s tough to establish a steady routine on the road AND let loose, it’s certainly not impossible. There are plenty of things you can do to stay in great shape while traveling. Plus, pushing yourself to try new activities will make your trip that much more memorable. Here are some useful tips that will help you stay in great shape and make the most out of your travels.
Don’t Limit Yourself to The Gym
Many of us assume the only place we can get a good workout in is in the gym. While we may be used to dumbbells and treadmills, there are plenty of ways to work up a sweat that will also give you the chance to enjoy your surroundings. Many of us underestimate the power of walking but it’s an excellent way to burn calories and discover a new destination. As a rule of thumb, if you have the opportunity to walk rather than catching a cab or bus, you should do so. This will provide good exercise and save you some cash. Biking is also a great way to stay in shape and explore your surroundings. Many cities have bike-sharing services (i.e. Citi Bike in New York & Divvy in Chicago), so you can pick up a bike at one of their hundreds of stations and embark on a leisurely ride through town. When you’re done exploring your new city, simply return to a nearby station.
Seek Adventure
One of the best ways to stay in shape and create epic memories is to participate in an activity that is unique to your location. Everyone loves to lounge around and relax but try to sprinkle in some adventure. Whether that means hiking, paddle-boarding, zip lining or rock-climbing, try to sign up for something active while you’re on the road. You’ll likely make some new friends and get your blood flowing. If you’re really looking to immerse yourself in your new culture, try getting involved with an activity that is native to your location. If you’re visiting Japan, try a karate class or if you’re in Colombia (the birthplace of Zumba), consider signing up for a session. You’ll discover new things about your surroundings and yourself.
Practice Moderation
For most travelers, food is a very important part of the journey. We all love to try new cuisine and indulge in our favorites, but it’s very easy to lose sight of our health goals. While you should never pass on the chance to experience local dishes, everything is best in moderation. While meal prep is likely not an option, try to avoid food that is “obviously” bad for you. Do your best to munch on healthy snacks and limit your “partying” to certain occasions. We all like to “let loose” when we’re on vacation but try to be smart about your alcoholic intake. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout your travels – there are so many benefits!
Set Your Intention
It’s pretty tough to stay in shape if you have no intention of doing so. Make sure you pack appropriately to set yourself up for success. Don’t just limit yourself to sneakers and workout clothes either. You can include a jump rope, resistance band or even some healthy snacks to ensure you’re prioritizing your health. You can even choose to track your progress if you’re really intent on staying in shape. Bring a Fitbit along for the ride and monitor your activity, diet and sleep throughout your travels. There’s nothing wrong with paying attention to your habits, even when you’re on vacation. That said, no need to obsess over your daily routine either. Allow yourself to relax and live a little!
Traveling and staying in shape tend to go hand-in-hand. The more you push yourself to try new activities, the more likely you are to have a successful trip. By prioritizing your health and fitness, you’ll be putting yourself in position to explore new places, seek new adventures and test your limits. Any good trip has its moments of indulgence. Whether that means laying by the pool all day or treating yourself to a dessert buffet, allow yourself those opportunities. Just remember that moderation is key. You deserve to enjoy yourself but also try to pay attention to your body. If you’re having fun and using your best judgment, you can’t go wrong!
