Staying fit on a trip requires a whole lot more than visiting the gym. While we may feel motivated before the trip, it’s a different ball game when you arrive and get caught by the travel bug. Everything else seems more interesting than you burning some pounds at the gym. Sure, you convinced yourself to pack those gym clothes and even searched for the closest gym but, after a couple of days, you would rather sleep in.
Depending on the purpose of your trip (business or pleasure), you may not have time to work the treadmill. Therefore, you need to find alternative ways to get fit and return home looking like a million bucks. Travelling is an adventure if you take time out to enjoy the jolly ride. Meeting new people, visiting exotic places and eating mouth sizzling foods, all merge to produce a remarkable memory for you.
One bummer could be when you realise your outfits become a size too small. Also, you tend to feel drained of energy more and more. Your fitness game could deteriorate if you just enjoy the ride without getting your heart pumping from a fitness routine.
There are hacks to getting fit that don’t involve the gym. Truth is, it can be tough to get motivated to get into the sport, but the key here is the “alternative” routine. Therefore, while planning your trip, you should plan a fitness routine that you can easily add to your schedule. These are hacks you can try out daily even when you are off to the toilet to do the number two.
A traveller’s guide to staying fit on a trip
1. Stay active
You may not believe this is possible since you just have to get in the car or plane, travel, arrive, and have a good holiday. But there are lots of fitness time you can engage in while on your way. First, ensure you dress the part (or at least wear your sneakers). Then, when you arrive at the airport, let some casual walks around steal into your waiting time. If you’re travelling by car, take some stops along the way and stretch or walk around your car several times. This is the best way to make the best out of a trip when you’re on your way.
2. Forgo rides and walk instead
Rather than take the bus or drive to wherever you need to be, walk instead. As long as your destination is of walkable distance, you should use your legs. An added advantage besides the fitness benefits is that you get to see all you would miss if you were enclosed in a car. Walking gives you more time to look around and enjoy the environment as well as meet new people. For instance, if you go on a trip to Malawi, you would notice how friendly the people are just by walking by and seeing their smiles. They are by far one of the most friendly people in Africa.
3. Engage yourself in outdoor yoga
Depending on where you stay or visit, you can take advantage of it. Outdoor yoga is best in a serene and quiet atmosphere. You should take time out in the morning to practice yoga. Rather than hurry to the gym, this is one activity you will enjoy for your body and mind.
4. Stairs are better than elevators
There’s a lot of good the stairs does to your heart. Those flight of stairs might seem like a nightmare, but that’s only because you haven’t started reaping the benefits. When you use the stairs more often rather than the elevator, you will get more strength than ever before. To add this to your workout routine, you can run up and down the stairs several times.
5. Eating healthy helps in staying fit on a trip
What’s the point of trying to be fit when you constantly shove those extra calories down your throat? You wouldn’t like the result, so you need to be careful with what you eat. Since you’re in a new place, it would be fun to try out new healthy meals.
6. Dress the part
If your goal is to stay fit and enjoy your trip, you can’t do it in heels or uncomfortable outfits. All day every day, you should dress in comfortable clothes and footwear that can easily be used to sneak some workout routine into your schedule.
7. Drink water like you mean it
Since you’re going to be walking or cycling on a bike more and even taking the stairs, you’d get even more dehydrated. So, ensure you have a portable water bottle with you always. Don’t overdo the water drinking habit too, and drink the right amount at the right time.
At the end of your trip, you would be more than ready to be on the covers of some high-end magazine.
Enjoy your trip and share your experience!