Adventure and travel is big part of my strategy for staying vital and youthful. It’s important, while being open to new adventures, not to abandon the healthy habits that keep me going.
Exercise is an easy thing to skip when you pack up for a trip.
- “It will only be a couple of days and then I’ll get back on the horse!”
- “Exercise clothes will take up valuable space in my luggage”
- “It’s vacation!”
Every single one has run through my head. I’ve wrestled them all to the ground.
I think you can have it all without much sacrifice.
If you’re focused on staying active, youthful, and fit then the easiest thing is to pack your sneakers. I find running in a new city a wonderful way of discovering it. Turning down an interesting looking street, scoping out the day’s activities, becoming familiar with the heartbeat of a city – you can have this all if you go for a morning run in a new city. I ask the concierge (if there is one) if they have a run route map or I use a running app that provides suggestions of good runs in the area. It’s a great way to get outside, explore, and leave the beaten track.
But, maybe you’re not a runner. Your sneakers can just as easily take you on a walk or a gentle hike in a new place.
The exercise walk is faster than a stroll, so maybe it’s a re-visit of a place you were sightseeing earlier or maybe it’s a recon trip to get the lay of the land before you do a more leisurely sightseeing stroll.
I feel a sense of accomplishment when I get my heart rate up and a little “glisten” on.
When I travel, I am biased towards a hotel with a gym. It provides options for cold or inclement weather. In the gig economy of Airbnb, a gym may not be realistic. But the host may provide a yoga mat you can couple with your favorite workout app. A run/walk/hike is almost always an option. If worse comes to worse, I toss in workout bands (flat and super easy to pack) to allow me to do exercises anywhere. They are a great way to stay fit and toned without having to pack the shoes.
There are so many places to get resistance bands. My favorite bands are the Perfect Peach Athletic Booty Bands [affiliate link] (because there is a range of thickness:strength and…they are pretty). But there are plenty to choose from in a variety of colors, materials and strengths. These longer, heavier Pull Up Assist Bands [affiliate link] are good if you are a workout warrior and really need to push it while you’re on the road.
You can find/buy them at Target, at Walmart, at your local sporting good store and of course on Amazon (I include affiliate links but you can always go search them directly). I personally prefer the loop kind, but there are tube resistance bands like these Tribe Exercise Band Set [affiliate link] or straight bands like these TheraBand Resistance Bands [affiliate link].
Your phone is a great asset when you travel because you have a bunch of resources. You can google “Resistance Band Workouts” and you’ll get a plethora of options. I like this runtastic blog for women. There are also a number of great resources for men like this one.
If you focus your search on specific muscle groups or body parts, you can really hone in on some good varieties.
The point is, go with a plan. Make it and then follow it. You’ll feel far less “guilty” when you indulge in that special adventure treat!
What are YOUR travel exercise tips?
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