Keeping fit while traveling doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. Whether you’re a dedicated gym-goer or prefer creative solutions, staying active while on the move is easier than you think. By incorporating these practical tips into your travel routine, you can prioritize your health while exploring new horizons.
Before we left the UK I had a flourishing business coaching boxing and conditioning training. A big concern for me when leaving was not knowing where I would be exercising from week to week. I’ve had to be creative at times but I have kept my routines going for 3 years now and across 5 continents.
Hannah doesn’t miss a session either, here is how we keep fit while traveling the world.
Check Out Local Gyms for Flexible Options
I love exploring new gyms while traveling, it’s the best way to keep fit. It’s not always possible but I’ve found gyms in the most random secluded places. Always scout out your destination using Google Maps ahead of time and make inquiries.
Smaller independent gyms are often more accommodating to short-term visitors, most offer pay-as-you-go walk-in options or custom-length memberships. Larger chain gyms can be more difficult, especially in the US and Australia. Some offer short-term memberships but they are usually expensive
Sometimes you may need to be quite blunt to avoid a gym trying to upsell you or commit you to a long-term membership. Just say ‘I’m here for 10 days, I don’t want to sign up for a year, how much do I need to pay to use your gym?’. This usually does the trick one way or another.
Travel-Friendly Fitness Bands Are Game Changers
Fitness bands are among the best tools for exercising while traveling. They’re lightweight, affordable, and widely available. Buy one before your trip or at a local store if needed. These bands are versatile for strength training, stretching, or mobility exercises.
After three years of traveling, I’m now onto my third band. There are many great workouts and demonstrations online to help you get started and find a productive workout.
Leverage House Sitting Opportunities
If you’re house sitting, inquire whether your hosts have fitness equipment you can use. Many homeowners have small setups like dumbbells, yoga mats, or stationary bikes, even if they’re dusty and hidden away in a shed! If not, ask if they know someone nearby who might share or rent out equipment.
House sitting is an excellent way to maintain a routine while enjoying the comfort of a home. During a house sit in Auckland, New Zealand we took care of a wonderful home with a full commercial gym set up, a sauna, and a hot tub. It was like staying in a spa!
To explore house sitting as a travel option and to learn more about it read my previous article – Everything You Need to Know About House Sitting.
Invest in Affordable Gym Equipment for Longer Stays
If you’re settling in one spot for a while, consider buying basic gym equipment like kettlebells or dumbbells. In places with affordable superstores or online shopping, this can be surprisingly cheap.
While house sitting in France for 6 weeks I bought a hefty kettlebell from an Aldi supermarket – it worked great and cost less than $20. When you’re done, you can sell, donate, or leave the items behind for the next fitness enthusiast.
Embrace Bodyweight Workouts and Online Classes
When gym access isn’t an option, turn to bodyweight exercises and online resources. Platforms like YouTube and Instagram are packed with free classes tailored for exercising while traveling or with limited equipment.
From yoga to high-intensity interval training (HIIT), there’s something for everyone. All you need is a small space and a bit of dedication. To get you started, the above video is a fitness trainer I often turn to when equipment or access to a gym is just not possible.
Get Creative with Makeshift Weights
In Mexico, I bought large water containers and, after drinking the water, refilled them with tap water and rocks to use as weights. This method is both resourceful and effective for staying fit. Look around for similar solutions wherever you travel – household items can become fitness tools.
Explore Hiking and Running Routes
Finding hiking or running routes is not only excellent for exercise on vacation but also a great way to explore your destination. Apps like AllTrails or typing Trail Head on Google Maps can lead you to scenic paths. Running through neighborhoods or parks also connects you with the local vibe while keeping active.
Many communities have weekly park runs or group activities that anyone can get involved with. Do thorough research on the area you plan to visit and always make inquiries to see how, when, and where you go to get involved.
Rent or Borrow a Bike for Cardio
Furthermore, cycling is a fantastic way to keep fit while traveling and discover a destination. Many hotels and house sitting hosts include bikes for free, Or local rental companies offer them at reasonable rates. Whether you’re commuting to a nearby attraction or taking a leisurely ride, it’s a fun and effective workout.
We enjoyed biking through Singapore during 3 back-to-back house sit stays. It was an expensive city, so being able to get around for free and enjoy the amazing city sights was a bonus. Click here to read all about our adventures in Singapore.
Utilize Hotel Facilities
Planning a hotel stay? When booking your accommodation add a filter to only include properties that have a gym or swimming pool included. Booking.com is a great website for searching properties that match this exact criteria.
Even if you’re not staying in the hotel, enquire how much it will cost to use their facilities. We did this in Phu Quoc, Vietnam. House sitting across the road from a mega-resort we were able to pay around $6 a day to use the fitness center, business hub, swimming pools, and communal areas.
Click here to read all about house sitting in Vietnam.
Stay Mindful of Your Diet and Drinking Habits
It’s easy to slip into indulgent vacation mode while traveling, but being mindful of your diet and drinking habits is crucial, especially for long-term travel. Focus on balanced meals, limit alcohol intake, and try to incorporate local fruits and vegetables into your meals.
Consider booking hotel rooms with kitchenettes or Airbnbs that have a full kitchen. This way you can stay in control of what you are consuming – and save quite a lot of money too! Staying hydrated is equally important – always have a refillable water bottle handy.
Mix Fitness with Local Adventures
Combining fitness with local activities can make exercising on holiday fun and engaging. Take a paddleboarding lesson, join a dance class, or try rock climbing if it’s popular in the area. These experiences keep you active and enrich your trip with unique memories.
While in San Jose, Costa Rica and badly missing a game of football (soccer) I joined a 5-a-side game. Playing with native Spanish speakers was a fun but challenging experience. It was a regular meet-up between friends but my contact told everyone I was a ringer from the Premier League – I am not!
Stay Active, Stay Healthy
To keep fit while traveling, it’s all about blending creativity with consistency. From leveraging local gyms to getting inventive with makeshift weights, there’s no shortage of ways to stay on top of your fitness goals.
By maintaining an active lifestyle, you’ll feel more energized to enjoy the adventures each destination offers – proving that travel and fitness can go hand in hand.
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