5 Simple Ways to Stay Fit While Traveling

Staying fit and travel doesn’t always go hand in hand. We all know a vacation is a time for over-indulging, treating yourself, and then returning home from any trip felt like taking five giant steps backward on our health and having to start over.

Everything from deciding whether or not to pack running shoes to finding time in your travels to break a sweat can cause many people to say, “forget about it.”

I’m going to share some of my easy top tips on how to look after yourself and your health while you’re travelling. With so many easy and fun ways to explore a new destination while burning a few extra calories, you won’t even feel like you’re exercising!

Yoga

Yoga is such a soothing practice to try at any place, be it at home or at airport or in your hotel room. It’s not just good for your body but also for your mind and soul. Start your day with simple rounds of surya namaskar followed with few stretching asanas and a 10 minute breathing practise or meditation. Spend just 20 mins out of your morning schedule and see the way it works on you for the entire day.

Personally yoga is my goto practise always. On trek trips and day hikes, I tend to come back to the room and do pain relieving asanas for 10 minutes and take a hot shower. It feels so calming to end your day on that note.

Om Finder and Mind Body are some cool yoga apps that let you find the nearest yoga studio on the go.

To see an extended list, here’s the 5 Must have apps every travel yogi needs

Map Run

Two birds in one stone!

This probably is one of the most fun ways to discover a new city is to wake up early and go for a run. Not only are you energising your body and actively burning calories, but it’s your alone time to discover the streets and nooks and crannies while everyone else is still sleeping. Head back to your hotel after your run for a shower and hot mocha and you’re ready to hit the town knowing exactly where to go!

Hike

This is my second favourite on the list. I love hiking trips during travel. I usually plan my schedule to see if there are any hiking spots nearby and add it to my list. Hiking not only provides us with amazing scenery and fresh air, but it can also be a challenge for the body, which is a very good thing! Make sure you have the right shoes, are dressed appropriately and pick up the pace to get that heart rate up!

Take up walking tours

Walking tours are another win-win practise

There are also loads of amazing walking tours around the world (and often, they’re free!). Research before reaching the destination and sign up for one or two of these tours according to your interest. Most hostels also organize for a free walking tour. It is a great way to mingle with others and even make friends.

Don’t forget to carry your fitbit so that you know the count!

Swimming or water sports

If you’re hitting a beach place, then you’re in for some uber cool water sport options. You can sign up for them, surfing for example is a great sport that also keeps you extremely fit. Kayaking is very good for upper body workout. SUP boarding burns enough calories and is relaxing too.

Otherwise also, if you’re hotel has a swimming pool, Swimming laps is always an awesome full body workout. If you’re more of a land person, run on the beach in the sand and, for a challenge, switch it up by running through the water just about ankle deep. The sinking sand and water resistance will create more intensity.

All this said, eating healthy while on the road is close to impossible, you will have to tactically manage your food especially if you’re a foodie like me. I usually love experimenting local cuisines, so this is the mantra I follow “Never eat 2 experimentative meals in a row”. I add a lot of fresh fruits and liquids (fresh juice or tender coconut depends on the region) to my food plan. If I want to try an amazing restaurant for dinner, then I’ll settle for something light and easy for breakfast and lunch.

I personally think time out of your routine is a great opportunity to prioritise your health. With fewer pressures and commitments, why not take full advantage and stay fit so you go home feeling refreshed and revitalised? Or, at the very least, don’t view travelling as a fitness regime ruiner, and learn how to keep your health in check while on the go.

If you follow a workout regime that works like a charm for travellers, do share them in the comments section