Consistency. That's one of the most important elements necessary to get results from any fitness program. So if you're a traveler without a consistent fitness routine, how can you travel and still stay fit?
The first thing you may want to do is pack what you'd need for your workout, such as running shoes, workout clothes, hair bands, music, etc. There's a much greater likelihood of getting a workout in if you at least have what you need.
The next things you may want to pack are resistance bands. Practically weightless and easily portable, resistance bands can strengthen any of the muscles you'd target using free weights or a weight machine. Bands are designed for varying levels of strength so it's important to choose one that's appropriate for your fitness level. Also, typically included with the bands are exercise instructions so you can correctly target and tone muscles while in the privacy of your hotel room, getting your workout in before your busy day begins.
If you forget to pack or would rather not use resistance bands, check with your hotel. Many hotels have certain pieces of fitness equipment that can be borrowed for the length of your stay and waiting for you in your room upon arrival. If you choose to do exercises which require no equipment but use your own body weight as resistance, that's a great option too! Examples of some of these resistance exercises are push ups, chair dips, crunches, lunges and squats. When done properly, these exercises work almost every body part without any equipment at all.
If you prefer exercising in a gym environment, many hotels have fitness rooms with everything you'd need for a great workout. While these gyms may be crowded during peak hours, here's one way to avoid the rush...take advantage of your time zone! For example, if you're on Eastern Standard Time and you're traveling to where it's Pacific Standard Time, you'll tend to be awake a few hours earlier than others. While others are sleeping in, you can hit the gym, have your choice of fitness machines and equipment and get your full workout in before the crowd arrives!
For your aerobic workout, you can always walk, jog or run outside. Besides typically having more free time when you travel, a new place offers opportunities for new sights to see. Make sure you have adequate directions and lighting for a more enjoyable experience.
If you're traveling somewhere conducive to sight seeing, take advantage of the extra walking you'll do. You'd be amazed at how this extra activity adds up, especially if you tend to be sedentary or spend most of your time at your desk when home. For an extra boost or incentive, clip on a pedometer to track your mileage and see for yourself!
If you're taking a beach vacation, walking, jogging or running on the beach provides a more intense workout than on a street or treadmill. That means that you can accomplish more in less time. If a beautiful beach scene doesn't motivate you to workout, just think about how much better you'll feel and look in your bathing suit!
Cruises have so much more to offer than ever before. If you plan on going on a cruise, it's great to know that most cruises now boast their workout facility as being as much of a draw as their buffets! You may even want to take advantage of fitness classes you normally may not have access to such as spinning, pilates, yoga or even pole dancing!
You may even choose to go on a trip designed for a specific activity such as bike riding through the country, canoeing or hiking along exotic trails. With this type of trip, combining sightseeing, adventure and fitness makes activity seem effortless.
Sometimes vacations offer an opportunity to be active in ways we may have enjoyed years ago. Maybe you used to jump rope, roller skate or ride your bike for fun. If you think you're up for the physical mental and potentially embarrassing challenge, you may want to try some of these activities again!
Finally, do the best you can and of course, don't forget to drink water and wear sunscreen if you're exercising outside. Strive for being active every day while away whether it's in the form of formal activity or an activity conducive to the trip. Travel doesn't have to mean time off from activity. Instead, you can use the time you have to exercise in ways you find fun, fresh and exciting.
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