Table of Contents
Finding the suitable time and space to exercise at home can be tough. Add travel to the equation, and you will get a real challenge. Some people think exercising requires going to the gym and using cardio equipment, hence why many lack the motivation to exercise.
What’s more, there are going to be questions running through your mind before the trip. Should I pack gym clothes? Is the gym nearby? Do I have the time? These questions will only make it harder for you, so the trick is to not overthink it.
Although the purpose of traveling is to relax and have a good time, it’s good if you can incorporate some physical activities during the trip. This way, you can maintain a healthy routine even after having a long vacation.
Whether your destination is near the beach or somewhere in the middle of the city, there is always something you can do to stay fit that does not involve the gym. For that reason, we have gathered some simple yet effective guides to keep you fit while on vacation.
Stay Active Throughout the Trip
Sometimes, traveling far means you would have to stay seated for long periods, which can be unhealthy for the body. There are a few bad effects of sitting for too long and one of them is weight gain. This is because sitting most of the time slows down the production of molecules that help the body process the sugar and fat you eat.
With that in mind, you should ensure that you move a lot during your trip. One way to make physical activity easy is by wearing your walking or running shoes. This way, you can walk as far as you want without worrying about foot pain.
Moreover, if you are traveling by train or plane and there is a delay, take a stroll around the station or airport instead of sitting by the gate. This prevents you from getting bored, and not only that, but you also get to explore the area. Besides that, make it your goal to reach the 10.000 recommended steps daily. You can track your steps using a smartwatch or an app on your Xiaomi phone.
Take the Stairs
Using the stairs does not only benefit you physically, but it goes beyond that. The most prominent effect of taking the stairs is that it tones the butt, thighs, and calves. Plus, it also helps you to lose some inches off your belly.
However, another benefit of taking the stairs is that it can relieve stress. This is because exercising releases endorphins; hormones that improve our health and mood, as well as reduce stress. Apart from that, it is also faster than taking the elevators since you don’t have to spend time queueing and waiting for the elevator to arrive.
So, if the place you are going has both the stairs and a lift, opt for the stairs instead. Other than that, if you find a monument with loads of stairs, try to set a time, then repeat going up and down at your own pace. It may sound simple, but it is going to help you a lot.
Try Yoga
You may have thought that yoga is all about physical poses. In truth, it encompasses self-disciplinary practices like meditation, breath work, and prayer. The combination of physical and self-disciplinary practices shows that yoga is helpful for our overall health.
Some benefits of yoga include improving body flexibility and increasing strength. This depends on the yoga poses and styles that you do. So, if you are looking to focus on building strength, consider doing poses that are more physically challenging.
However, note that some simple postures at the beginner level may require more muscular effort than those at the advanced level. Thus, consider reading about yoga poses before your vacation so you will know which to focus more on depending on your concern.
Visit Local Parks and Trails
If you are not looking for activities that require much effort, try visiting any local parks and trails. You can try asking the hotel staff or local people for directions. This way, you can also ask them to show you the safest route for a run or brisk walk.
Besides keeping you healthy during the trip, going to local parks gives you the chance to observe the local people. In addition, it offers you a great outdoor experience as you breathe the fresh air while enjoying nature or the city. This may also make your vacation so much better.
Workout in Your Hotel Room
Sometimes you are in the mood to exercise but too lazy to head to the gym, which is completely fine. Because as mentioned earlier in the article, it does not necessarily have to be in the gym. You can do simple exercises in the comfort of the hotel room. In addition, you can also blast your favorite playlist through any Bluetooth speaker to better enjoy the session.
Furthermore, some types of exercise only require a small space and minimal to no equipment. If you want to strengthen the arm, start with the upper body exercises such as plank shoulder taps, triceps dips, resisted push-ups, and bilateral arm raises. Moreover, you can wrap a resistance band loop around the feet while doing the first two exercises to further challenge yourself.
Besides that, the lower body exercises can strengthen your calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, and inner thighs. Some of the activities include lunges, front squats, leg extensions, and single-leg RDL. Just like the upper body exercises, you can use a resistance band loop which may help to improve muscle flexibility.
Join Some Local Activities
When you visit a place, there is a chance to learn about the culture and enrich your current knowledge through their local activities. Some activities require many movements, so you can exercise while having fun. Plus, you might also pick up a new hobby along the way. For example, you can do salsa, tango, or martial arts. But if you don’t find them enjoyable, try to join the locals for a soccer game on the field, and you will surely have a memorable trip.
