Keep Fit While Traveling: 7 Tips for Taking Your Workout on a Trip

"Vacations are the perfect time to enjoy much needed rest and relaxation. But just because you leave your stress at home doesn't mean you have to leave your exercise plan there too."

By Jeanie Callen Barat

Okay. So, you're stressed. You're tired. You need a vacation.

But every time you decide to get away, you gain an extra 5 or so pounds that you have to work twice as hard to get rid of once you get home.

Why?

Because once you go on vacation and travel, you forget about exercise and proper nutrition. All you want to do is lay on the beach with a nice, cold drink in your hands. And, at nights, the exotic restaurants and all-you-can-eat buffets tempt you with their savory food and mouth-watering desserts.

Re-Energize Yourself and Your Fitness Routine with These Ideas for Staying Fit While You Travel

Vacations are the perfect time to enjoy much needed rest and relaxation. But just because you leave your job and your stress at home doesn't mean you have to leave your exercise plan there too.

Keeping your exercise routine consistent while you're traveling can actually make your time away more enjoyable. Here's how:

1. Your body craves the good feeling exercise brings on. So instead of depriving it of those endorphins, keep them humming by weight lifting, bodyweight exercises, walking, running, and/or swimming.
   
   
2. Sticking to your exercise plan keeps your energy levels up. Energy is definitely something we can all use more of when we're on vacation.
   
   
3. You will feel great when you return home slimmer and more energetic than when you left, rather than having to lose a few pounds of vacation weight.

Once you hit the road, follow these winning ideas to keep your fitness plan on track.

7 Tips to Help You Stay Fit While Traveling

"Before you travel, research the best place to perform your favorite exercises. If you love running, seek out the best running trails."

1. Bring Your Gear

Stop trying to save space. Pack your bulky workout shoes, extra outfits, and workout equipment like jump rope or fitness bands. After all, what's worse: the extra pounds in your luggage or the extra pounds on you?

2. Test It Out

Test your exercise routine at home before you travel. Your familiarity will encourage you to complete your workout while you travel. If you aren't sure of the facilities at your destination, plan exercises that don't require equipment, such as push-ups, lunges, single leg squats, and crunches.

3. Do Your Research

Before you travel, research the best place to perform your favorite exercises. If you love running, seek out the best running trails. If aerobics classes turn you on, search for gyms in the area and check out their class schedules. If weights get you pumping, find out where the nearest free-weight gym is. Or for a nice change of pace, find out where the nearest park is, where you can do some pull ups, push ups, etc.

It's easy to think getting away is the perfect time to try something new. And variety is great, but if you are attempting an exercise you are not familiar with, chances are you won't try it. It's actually better to pick what you love and enjoy the new setting. And then if you feel like it, go ahead and try that new activity, such as snorkeling or waterskiing, in addition to your favorite, familiar activities.

4. Commit to Healthier Eating Choices

Eating healthy while on the road can be a challenge. But the good news is that restaurants are now offering healthier choices. You just have to make them! Don't be afraid to ask for sauces and dressings on the side. Order fruit for breakfast and double the vegetables at dinner.

If possible, hit the grocery store and purchase healthy snacks. Having these alternatives will encourage you to stay on track. Make a commitment to enjoy the local fare, while forgoing the extras you can live without.

5. Share the Fun

Invite others to join you to help keep you accountable. Ask friends and family members to join you for an exercise excursion. Regardless of your travel purpose or destination, sharing your workout experience will help keep you on track.

"Experiencing sights and sounds of a new place can be the easiest way to get your exercise in. And it won't even seem like exercise!"

6. See the Sights

Pick a new and different travel destination. Experiencing sights and sounds of a new place can be the easiest way to get your exercise in. And it won't even seem like exercise! Go for a long hike. Map out historic sites and take a walking tour. Exploring a new destination on foot can be the perfect way to experience and appreciate all it has to offer.

7. Relax a Little

Remember, traveling can be the perfect time to fit in some rest and relaxation, too. Book some "me time" to relax and enjoy with a massage, pedicure, or facial after a nice long hike or swim. You deserve it!

The key to staying fit while traveling is to prepare and commit before leaving the house in the first place. When you commit and follow these travel workout tips, you will be on your way to better fitness overall.

Now, enjoy your vacation!

About the Author:

Master fitness trainer Jeanie Callen Barat, "The Fitness Jeanie," is a premier fitness consultant who can help you achieve your fitness goals today, even while you're away. Find out "How Fit Are You?" with Jeanie's New, Free Quiz at www.callenfitness.com. Take the quiz today and find out if you need a comprehensive, customized cardiovascular, strength training, and nutrition program!

• Clinical Reviews
• Back to Issue 72 Table of Contents

Fill out the no-obligation form below to TAKE your free issue of the printed version of Real SOLUTIONS Magazine now! Still not sure? Click here to listen to a special audio welcome from our editor, Stephen Adele.