Creative Workout Tips
If you’re looking to remain active while on vacation, below are some tips that help me keep my body moving. Besides the never ending walking I am doing while abroad, sometimes I just need that extra push.
What to bring:
Jump Rope. This is actually such a great form of cardio. Doesn’t take a lot of space in your suitcase which is nice. Go to a nearby park, maybe your hotel/place your staying at has a courtyard or exercise room, maybe your room is big enough for you to jump rope in. I’d suggest (depending on your plans for the day) doing this first thing in the morning for about 10-15 minutes.
Resistance Bands. Again, another effective form of working out and takes up little to no space in your suitcase. You can use these babies in so many ways. Around your legs for some killer booty/leg workouts or around your arms for some shoulders/upper body work. It’s good for all muscle groups. Get creative. You can look here at some fun ways to use them.
Running Shoes. Are you someone who loves cardio? If so, then running is the easiest solution to maintaining your figure/weight while traveling. It’s also a crowd favorite as you get to sight see while doing so. I recommend going to an area you want to see and have time to stop along the way. If you’re on a time crunch, though.. just run. No stopping. Make sure you are in an area that is safe & the time of day is okay. I suggest creating a fun playlist beforehand so you don’t have to constantly stop and change songs. Plug your headphones in and run, forest, run!
Your Luggage. Use your heavy luggage as weights. You can do arm workouts, squats, lunges. Just make sure the weight is good for your needs. See! So many ideas. No more excuses. You can look here for more workouts using this tactic.
Body Weights. Push ups, pull ups (find a door or something you can grab on), sit ups, Russian twists, lunges etc, all require 1 thing and 1 thing only… you. No fancy jump ropes, bands, or weights. Just you. Make it difficult and do a HIIT workout. (High intensity interval training). 40 minutes. Include burpees, mountain climbers, jump squats and high knees; you’ll be bound to sweat that pasta off in no time.
Other fun activities to do:
Near the water? Do water sports! Kayak, swim, surf, parasail. All super fun things to do that also help you burn those calories. If you’re on a beach, go for a run or do volleyball/soccer. Playing/running in the sand is so hard and is a quick guarantee to have you sweating in no time.
Rollerblade! This one of my favorite things to do. I usually bring mine but this can take up space so I recommend finding a place near by that rents/sells them for cheap.
Bike ride. There are a lot of countries that are popular for bike riding (Amsterdam for example). It’s a great form of cardio and leg toning. Also really fun way to see the city you’re in!
Yoga. Find a yoga studio nearby or just go to a park and get to stretching.
Hiking. There are so many amazing hikes all around the world. If you happen to be in an area where you’re near mountains, google your nearest hikes and go on one.
I hope this helps you look at fitness and traveling in a different yet positive way. Yes, they both can go together in the same sentence and it can be a really fun time, too!