This is a great time of year for a vacation:
all-inclusive beach resorts, long weekend ski trips, March break escapades,
etc. Traveling is no excuse to ditch your workout. No one wants to arrive home
from vacation ten pounds heavier. For those of you heading out of town – do not
throw away all of the hard work you’ve been putting in at the gym. Balance out
your margarita consumption with some form of daily exercise. Staying fit while traveling can be a
challenge but it is NOT impossible – all you need is some creativity, a pair of
running shoes & a touch of self-motivation.
Here you will find 7 easy-to-follow tips for staying in shape while traveling, so
leave your excuses at home.
#1 – Walk. The best part about traveling is
the opportunity to explore. Ditch the open-air bus and hit the streets. If you
leave your hotel in the morning and wander the city until dinner you will be
well deserving of a glass of wine and perhaps even a foreign delicacy for
dessert...
A Beach Stroll in Nicaragua
#2 – Run – Same idea. All you need is a pair
of running shoes & the open road. Use this as an opportunity to see a part
of the city you have yet explore, or if you are afraid of getting lost do laps
around the city center, a big monument or even a local schoolyard. If a beach
is nearby you may even be lucky enough to leave those running shoes at home....
Running in Rotterdam
Running in Rotterdam
#3 – Bike – Most cities offer daily bike
rentals. Much like walking you can use a bicycle to explore a new city (bonus:
you can cover a larger area on two wheels than you can on two feet).
30km bike ride in Laos
#4 – Yoga – Most hotel rooms are carpeted,
meaning no yoga mat necessary, but you can also toss down a large towel if you
are practicing on a hard surface. If you are looking to challenge your
cardiovascular system opt for a yoga flow centered around sun salutations. If
you are a relatively inexperienced yogi stick to some basic stretches, focusing
on your breath. Use this as an opportunity to acknowledge wherever you are in
the world. Travel can be stressful and trips often pass us by before we are really
able to appreciate them. Dedicating 30 minutes in the morning to your body will
help you to be present for the rest of the day…
Sun Salutations in Costa Rica
#5 – Local Fitness Classes – Seriously. I
have done water aerobics in the Dominican Republic; yoga in Costa Rica; outdoor
aerobics in Laos; Bikram in Holland & pilates in Germany. A simple google
search will send you in the right direction, and don’t worry about the language
barrier: follow the instructor or an able-looking person in your sight line…
#6 – Workout DVDs – I have an abnormal
obsession with at-home workout DVDs. These are a staple to my fitness routine
even when I am at home: they are inexpensive, they require little to no
equipment and you can begin and end your workout without changing out of your
pajamas. If, like most present-day travelers, you are traveling with a computer
simply pack one or two workout DVDs – depending on the length of your trip.
Check your local bookstore for an incredible array of options: from kick boxing
to ballet, your favorite workout isn’t more than a click away.
#7 – Hotel-Room Circuits. Pushups. Tricep
Dips. Jumping Squats. Lunges. Sit-Ups. Burpees. Side Plank. Jumping Jacks.
Bicycle Crunches. Mountain Climbers. Repeat. Create your own custom workout
using any (or all) of these exercises – try to do at least two sets of 15
repetitions – switching rapidly from exercise to exercise in order to keep your
heart rate elevated.
#8 (Bonus Tip!) – Take advantage of whatever
fitness facility is at your disposal. Most hotels have a fitness center or a
pool – spend 20 minutes on the stair climber or swim laps – aim for some form
of exercise each and every day!
Empty Pool = Perfect for a Morning
Workout
Danielle Bossin-Hardy
BA, PTS, CNP (Hons.)
BA, PTS, CNP (Hons.)
Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Holistic Nutritionist
Holistic Nutritionist
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