There are plenty of great way to stick to a healthy fitness routine and fit in the odd wrkout whilst travelling.
The gym isn’t usually the first choice when it comes to deciding how to spend a couple of hours holiday, but it doesn’t mean that fitness regimes have to be left at home.
Working out on holiday doesn’t have to be stressful or time consuming, and often it’s all about mindset – actually getting in there, getting it done and sticking to goals.
Preparation and research are the keys to fitness when travelling.
Here’s a simple guide to burning those calories while still enjoying everything that travelling has to offer.
-
Immerse in the local culture
Boxing in Thailand, underwater hockey in the UK, surfing in Hawaii: Holiday destinations will almost always have a local sport on offer.
Research is key, and Pinterest is about to become your new best friend. Create a board for each location with places to visit and local activities to keep your heart rate up.
Another option is research local fitness groups you could join for a session. Not only will this immerse you in the place you’re staying in, it will introduce to local people from all different walks of life – who may just show you some secret spots you wouldn’t have otherwise known about.
If running is your thing, try the app DASHR. It connects people who have the same running preferences and routines, meaning you can meet up with a local – less time worrying about where to go, more time getting fit.
2. Use the hotel gym or get a free membership
Before booking a trip, check if the hotel has a fitness centre or offers personal training.
Head here and bust out a quick workout late at night or early morning, leaving the days free for exploring and adventuring.
If the hotel gym isn’t up to scratch, search online for a week free trial at a credible gym such as Anytime Fitness – the 24/7 gym company has over 3000 gyms in 24 countries around the world. Other options that are worldwide include Barry’s Bootcamp, a high-intensity workout combining cardiovascular and strength work, F45 functional training, or OrangeTheory Fitness.
If all else fails, do a workout in your hotel room.
@kaylaitsines, @aliceliveing and @kirastokesfit are just some of the personal trainers that are all over Instagram offering free workouts that require minimal equipment. (Link to BB story)
3. Sight see your way to fitness.
Getting out in nature is one of the easiest ways to stay fit while travelling. Research places with jaw-dropping views and hiking trails that can get you to the top.
If you’re in New Zealand, try the Hokitika Gorge Walk, located in the West Coast, offering blue lakes that have to be seen to be believed. Or, head to the Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park in Banff, where thousands of kilometres of untouched wilderness await.
Spending time in the local environment will also take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can see a different side of a new destination.
4. Walk everywhere
With national guidelines suggesting 10,000 steps a day is ideal, walking from attraction to attraction is a great way to achieve that number while travelling.
Before you go, consider buying fitness tracker to help you keep tally of your step count and heart rate.
Walking is also a great way to be immersed into the culture of the city, instead of catching just catching underground public transport such as the subway, and most cities such as Rome and Paris offer free walking tours.
Download an app that provides a walking map with additional information about the history and culture of the city, such as Rick Steves Audio Europe, or Cities Talking.
5. Change your mindset – but don’t sweat the small stuff
Sticking to a fitness routine on holiday is all about creating a healthy mindset and getting in and getting it done. But it’s important to remember that holidays shouldn’t be stressful or full of pressure, and the gym shouldn’t be a number one priority.
It’s not the end of the world if fitness routines aren’t stuck to, and at the end of trip, more memories are going to be made when exploring new places and meeting new people than achieving strength goals.
6. Consider a fitness holiday
More and more people are looking for holidays with added benefits, such as increased fitness or giving back to the world.
Located in beautiful tropical places such as Bali, Sri Lanka or Thailand, retreats that offer yoga, Pilates or weight loss can allow you to see beautiful locations whilst still meeting, or improving, your fitness goals.
Check out these sunny wellness getaways, or head to Health and Fitness Travel, for health retreats in almost any destination.
