I've always struggled to stay fit and healthy when we're juggling a busy travel schedule.
When there's so much to see and discover in a new destination, the very last thing I want to do is hit the gym. Of course, there's also nothing worse than returning home from vacation feeling sluggish and out of shape. It's taken some practice, but we've finally figured out a way that works for us to stay fit while we are traveling - even if we're on a tight schedule and trying to fit in some work.
Here are our top tips to fitting exercise into your travel itinerary. Even if you only implement one of these tips a few times a week, you're bound to notice a difference in the way you look and feel!
1. Lace Up Your Sneakers
Photo via Flickr/Robert S. Donovan
Our favorite way to fit exercise into our travels is with a daily jog. Not only are we exercising, but we're also getting to explore a new neighborhood or park in the process! Apps like MapMyRun make it easy to route a run without worrying about getting lost in an unknown destination. Plus, the excitement of running through a new spot beats the repetitiveness of our standard running loop back home any day. The key is to take your eyes off the ground long enough to enjoy your surroundings in the process!
Even if you're not a runner, try walking from place to place. It might take a bit longer than hopping in an Uber, but you'll get a better sense of place while also burning some extra calories.
2. Schedule It Into Your Itinerary
Photo via Flickr/Gerald Lau
If you're traveling for work, you might have a jam-packed schedule to begin with. Though it's tempting to head straight to the hotel bar after a long day, make exercising just as important as anything else in your schedule. Actually write it down or put it in your online calendar, then make it non-negotiable. We recommend knocking out your exercise appointment in the morning, so there are no excuses at the end of the day.
Of course, you don't have to be traveling for business to make time in your trip for exercise. Blocking out just 30 minutes before you head out for the day can make a massive difference when implemented over a short period.
3. Take Advantage of Technology
There are countless workout apps and free exercise videos available, many of which can be utilized from the comfort of your hotel room! One of my favorites is YogaGlo, an online yoga platform that motivates me to hop into my Downward Dog even if I don't have the convenience of a local studio. Apps like Sworkit and fit.net are other fun options for personalized workouts on the go.
[READMORE] READ MORE: 8 Tips for Getting, Staying Fit at a Hotel [/READMORE]
4. Be An Active Traveler
To be honest, we don't always run or hit the gym when we travel. However, our days are often filled with hiking, rock climbing, cycling, surfing and other fun outdoor adventures. Use your next trip as an opportunity to try something new, push yourself outside of your comfort zone, and move your body! Lying around by the pool is undeniably fun, but try countering a day of sunbathing with an active excursion. You're also guaranteed to make some epic travel memories this way!
If you don't have a regular workout routine now, and you want to use your travels as a chance to reboot your exercise habits, try a yoga or health retreat. When your co-workers return from their vacations feeling more tired than when they left, you'll be the one rejuvenated from head to toe.
5. Get Good Sleep
Let's face it. After a night out on the town, the last thing you're going to want to do is to wake up at 6 a.m. to hit the hotel gym. What's more, according to this article, a lack of sleep makes it harder for your body to recover from exercise. If you want to feel your best on your travels and ensure your travel workouts don't hit the back burner, then good sleep habits need to be a priority.
It takes trial and error to find a way to stay fit on the road that works for you. So tell us, what do you do to work exercise into your travel itinerary?
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