10 Tips For Staying Fit While Traveling
Summer is a season of endless road trips and travels around the country and world, and with traveling comes overindulging and straying away from your exercise routine. In fact, many people treat vacations as automatic “cheat days.” While vacations can do wonders for reducing stress levels, they can also derail a healthy fitness regimen. Luckily, there are ways you can relax and indulge while traveling while not completely abandoning your healthy habits.
These 10 tips for staying fit while you travel will help you avoid coming home with extra baggage.
Start the day with a healthy breakfast
When you are traveling, whether for work or fun, you will most likely be packing your days with exciting activities. Starting the day with a big, healthy breakfast will fuel your energy for the day, ensuring you will spend less time seeking out quick, unhealthy snacks.
Drink a lot of water
As you will be spending your day on the move, it is important to stay hydrated. Not only will water help you stay alert and energized, it will also fill you up, making you less likely to overeat.
Take the stairs
Opting for the stairs over an elevator or escalator is an “easy” way to get an extra workout in. It can be tiring, especially if you are hiking up more than a few flights, but it gives your heart rate a boost and works your glutes.
Keep healthy snacks handy
When you are out exploring, it can be tempting to pop in the nearest shop and get a quick, usually unhealthy, snack. If you have healthy snacks available you will be less likely to gravitate towards empty calories and may save a few dollars along the way.
Walk instead of grabbing a ride
The next time you are about to catch a ride or drive when you are traveling, check to see how far it would be to walk to your destination instead, pending on the safety of the area and time of day. Walking to each destination will not only keep you more fit, but you also see more of the area you are exploring.
Don’t skimp on the sleep
Sleeping while on vacation may seem like a waste of time, but getting enough is essential for your wellbeing the following day. Getting enough sleep will not only leave you feeling refreshed and alert for your day of activities, but it will also ensure the body has had adequate time for muscle repair, memory consolidation, and releasing hormones regulating growth and appetite.
Try a physical activity you wouldn’t normally
Vacation is the perfect time to try out a physical activity you normally would not have access to. Laying on the beach and relaxing is great, but take some time to try activities like kayaking, windsurfing, wakeboarding, skiing, or paddleboarding. Activities like these will keep you active and having fun.
Take a hike
Hiking is a great way to get exercise because while difficult, it is usually the only way to see the area’s hidden secrets. Having an incentive at the end of a hike, like a breathtaking waterfall or an amazing view, may help you forget you are exercising at all.
Try out hotel room exercises
If you have some downtime in your room or the weather has taken a turn for the worst, try not to just lay down and binge on Netflix. While your favorite show is on, try doing some bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, and crunches.
Don’t stress
Yes, fitness is important, but you are on vacation. Do not expect to keep up the same workout routine you would have while you are at home. Enjoy your time exploring, trying local delicacies, and spending time with family and friends.