Staying in shape is something that many people will do when they are at home, but whether you are taking a vacation or going traveling for a longer period, it is worth planning on how you can continue to exercise regularly as you travel. There are plenty of different ways that you can exercise your body without having any specialist equipment around, but in many hostels and hotels there are also gym facilities which will be particularly useful.
With so many different food and drink experiences to be enjoyed as you travel, it is important to counteract those calories with exercise too!
Start Running
Running is one of the easiest and most beneficial workouts that you can try wherever you are in the world, all you need is a decent pair of trainers and a sidewalk or park where you can go running. Not only will this give you a good aerobic workout, it is also an interesting way to see a different side of your destination, particularly if you go running in the morning or evening when you can encounter some of the locals doing the same thing too.
Choose Sporting Travel Activities
There are plenty of activities that you can enjoy as you travel that will not only be interesting and fun, but can also provide a good workout too, and including this kind of activity in your schedule will help you to stay fit on the road. If you enjoy water sports then surfing, kayaking and white water rafting will all give you a good workout in the water, while mountain biking provides some great exercise and is also a great way to see the countryside.
Yoga On The Road
Ten or fifteen years ago it might have been difficult to find somewhere to attend a yoga class in less visited parts of the world, but the growth of the exercise form has seen a huge jump in the number of studios, which are found in cities and small towns alike. There is very little equipment required to take part, and the studio will usually be able to help you out with a yoga mat, meaning that all you have to do is to enjoy the class with the local instructor.
Plan A Workout You Can Do Anywhere
If you do want a more organized exercise regime while you travel, then it is possible to create a workout that you can complete in almost any location. Push ups provide good work for the shoulders and other parts of the body, while sit ups and abdominal crunches help to work on the stomach. Jumping jacks, burpees, squats and running on the spot can all be included too to provide good cardiovascular work. It is best to tailor the workout to what you are looking to achieve in terms of fitness while you are away.
Exercising On Airplanes And Trains
As well as being methods of transport, an airplane or train can also be a place to exercise, particularly if you are on a long journey, as deep vein thrombosis is a well known threat for those who remaining static for too long. Most airlines will provide you with a list of exercises you can do with your hands and ankles, and if you sit in the aisle seat you can also walk down to the rear of the plane or carriage to stretch.
Walk As Much As Possible
The easiest way of getting exercise as you travel is to walk to every attraction that you can get to on foot instead of using the local public transport system. There are also plenty of walking tours available in the major cities that will give you an interesting look at your destination. Because so many long term travelers find that walking is not only cheap but very enjoyable, they find it easy to stay fit with this approach.
Drink Plenty Of Water
When you are taking plenty of exercise, the next step to make sure you get the most from your exercise is to stay hydrated, and whether you are drinking bottled water, purified water or drinking water from the tap, it all helps your body to stay in top shape. The recommendation is to drink at least two liters of water every day, although active people such as those walking regularly throughout the day may need more. Simply carrying a water bottle and a stock of purifying tablets means that you can quench your thirst almost anywhere you will be exploring.