How to Sneak in Exercise Effortlessly on Vacation
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You do not need to go to the gym while you’re traveling to get exercise. It’s much easier and more fun than that!
Traveling is about exploring new places, trying new food, getting outside your comfort zone, and seeing cool stuff. But it can also be about being active.
Unlike when you’re back home and have a routine (you have to go to work, after all, and tend to schedule your workouts around that), here you can do whatever you want. If you do a minimal amount of planning (i.e. research some things about the location and pack the right things), you can make your vacation even more active than you are at home, all while never needing to see the inside of a gym!
So vacation is actually the perfect time to exercise. As a proof point, when I was in Italy, I ate and drank everything for 8 days but still lost 2 pounds because I was walking so much! (I still dream about that food.)
In other words, being active on vacation is also more fun because it doesn’t feel like a workout!
In this blog post, I’ll discuss my go-to ways to get exercise on vacation in addition to some options that might be available where you’re going!
Pack the Right Way
First of all, you need to pack to make getting some exercise easier.
My number one can’t-leave-for-the-airport-without (besides my passport) is a Fitbit. (You can get refurbished ones on Amazon fairly cheaply, especially considering how much wear you’ll get out of it.) This little baby both counts your steps (which really add up when you’re strolling around town) and measures your heart rate. If you pick up your pace or are going up hills, you might even see you’re getting cardio without even noticing it!
In fact, my Fitbit helps me turn early morning flights and layovers into workouts.
When you have nothing else to do but fight to stay awake or have a glass of wine at the airport, why not turn to something healthier and use your time efficiently? I put on a podcast and walk around the airport at a brisk pace people watching. (There’s certainly no shortage of that at the airport.)
In order to effortlessly slide this type of activity into your traveling and vacation time, it’s important to have cute comfortable walking shoes and some athleisure packed.
With today’s workout clothes, you have plenty of polished options and are not relegated to old tshirts and ratty shorts. I much prefer these cute and affordable options from Amazon to lululemon, but whatever your taste is, you have plenty of options to look chic, be comfortable, and be ready for some impromptu exercise at any moment!
Transform Your Commute
Turn mundane travel moments into fitness opportunities. Instead of opting for a taxi or public transport, consider walking or cycling to nearby destinations. It's a fantastic way to explore the local surroundings while keeping your heart rate up. Imagine the joy of stumbling upon hidden gems in a new city while breaking a sweat.
Turn Sightseeing into Steps
Why settle for a sightseeing bus when you can turn it into a fitness adventure? Opt for walking tours or hiking excursions to explore landmarks and scenic spots. Many cities now offer guided running tours, allowing you to break a sweat while learning about the history and culture of the place.
The Hotel Room: Your Personal Gym
Don't let a lack of gym access deter your fitness goals. Your hotel room can be transformed into a mini gym with bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, or even a travel-friendly yoga mat. This section will include a quick and effective hotel room workout routine to keep you on track.
A great way to get an in-room workout is Alo Moves (very affordable with a monthly subscription around $13 per month).
" target="_blank">There are hundreds of classes in different formats that will work your entire body in a small amount of space (even a New York City hotel room!) and with little or no equipment. Stick with something tried and true like Pilates or try a really intense yoga abs class for a new twist on your normal routine.
You can also throw some light and portable exercise equipment in your carry on! You can’t go wrong with bands or resistance tubes, which weight essentially nothing and take up zero valuable real estate!
Find Local Fitness Options
Every destination has its unique fitness culture. Whether it's a morning yoga session by the beach, a local dance class, or even a traditional martial arts workshop, immerse yourself in the activities that locals enjoy. Not only does this keep you active, but it also provides a cultural exchange that goes beyond the surface.
I love looking for local fitness studios or wellness centers for cheap classes or one-day passes. This has the added benefit of refreshing your fitness routine because you might get to try something you’ve never done before. Remember, working out should always be fun, but that’s never as important as on vacation!
Incorporate Adventure Activities
Inject adrenaline into your fitness routine by incorporating adventure activities into your travel plans. Whether it's rock climbing, surfing, or zip-lining, these activities not only provide an exhilarating experience but also contribute to your overall fitness levels.
Now, my fear of heights kept me from doing this, but when I was in Edinburgh, I saw people climbing King Arthur’s Seat. Had I not been terrified, that would have been an amazing activity!
Staying active while traveling doesn't have to feel like a chore or require a fixed time to “work out.” By embracing the unstructured nature of a vacation, you don’t have to work around scheduling anything. Plus, since you likely have so many things you want to see, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to walk or soak in some local culture through a dance class, for example. You might even find that this changes the way you look at and enjoy travel.
Remember, the key is to find activities that you enjoy and that align with your fitness level. By incorporating these creative ways to exercise, you can stay active while enjoying your vacation to the fullest!
If you want to keep something in your pocket just in case for an emergency workout, sign up for my free barre workout, which can be done with no equipment in even the tiniest of hotel rooms!
