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Keeping fit when you’re travelling can be challenging, as not only do you not have a consistent routine to keep you focused and on track but you’re often in strange new environments that don’t provide easy access to the exercise equipment you need… and whilst you could hunt out local gyms, this can be a very expensive way to keep fit, as day passes are often almost as much as a regular monthly membership.
That said, where there’s a will there’s a way and this article is going to look at what you can do to keep fit on the road without resorting to bouncing around different gyms throughout the world.
1. On Demand Fitness Classes
The world’s leader in fitness classes, Les Mills, is now offering on-demand workouts of the world’s popular gym based exercise classes such as Body Pump, Body Balance and Body Combat. This relatively low-cost subscription model (around $10 per month) means you have access to online classes anywhere in the world, presuming you have an internet connection, and a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
Of course, the great thing with these on-demand classes is they fit around your schedule; unlike a gym, where you have to fit around the timetable of the gym. Also, you don’t have to feel so awkward each time you enter a new gym and be the person in the class that nobody knows.
In reality, there’s nothing stopping you from finding a local park and setting up with your phone though most people might prefer the privacy of a hotel room, and that’s the great thing, you don’t actually need all that much space.
2. Stay in a Hotel With a Swimming Pool
Swimming is one of the best ways to keep in shape as it’s a great cardiovascular sport plus it works every major muscle group in your body. If you can afford to pay a little extra to find a hotel with a pool such as the Best Western PLUS Executive Inn, you can have a fantastic workout at no extra cost, in the comfort and convenience of your hotel… and chances are, if the hotel has a pool it will probably have a small gym too, which could provide the perfect space to do your on-demand fitness classes mentioned above.
The other great thing about swimming in your hotel pool, is tend to be a fun and luxurious experience that often doesn’t feel like you’re working out.
3. Take Some Equipment With You
Now, of course, you won’t be wanting to take kettlebells on your travels but there’s plenty of small lightweight equipment you can take with you on your travels. For instance, you could take some TRX bands that will allow you to do body weight exercises for every major muscle group, some resistance bands that are particularly effective at working your upper body without the need for heavy weights, and a skipping rope, which provides a fantastic all over cardiovascular workout. Then, there’s always the option to go for a jog which requires no equipment at all and is a good way to explore the local area.
In summary, there are many ways to keep fit whilst travelling. A lot of times, people come up with all the reasons (perhaps better known as excuses) when instead, they might be better to focus on pushing past these ‘reasons’, finding a way, and getting the results they crave.
Being super creative helps me workout while circling the globe Holly. Definitely take equipment with you. Or find equipment. I carried small boulders up hills in Fiji LOL. I work with nature and gravity to keep fit. Fab tips here.
Ryan