Adapting Your Fitness Routine for Travel: Staying Active On-the-Go

Traveling is a chance to break from our usual routines, whether that means relaxing or adventuring. Unfortunately, it often means an unhappy surprise when we step on the scale back at home. Planning is crucial if you have an upcoming trip and want to stick to your fitness goals. Learn more about the importance of consistency in your fitness plan here, plus a list of tips to help you stay on track no matter where you are.

The Importance of a Travel Fitness Routine

Starting a workout routine is one thing, but consistency is key if you want to see your effort pay off. This is especially true for older adults with slower bodies to gain muscle and recover from injury. However, seniors can still reap the benefits of exercise if they make fitness a part of their weekly schedule. That means making an effort to exercise while traveling.

The benefits of consistent exercise are more than just physical. Building a routine and sticking to it also has psychological benefits as well. Regular exercise results in better sleep, and higher energy levels, and can even stave off the effects of depression. Plus, keeping a routine longer makes it easier to stay in the habit.

How to Workout While Traveling

There are plenty of ways to stay active while away from home; whether you travel abroad or just to the next state, follow these tips and strategies to stick to your fitness goals.

Choose Exercises You Can Do Anywhere

The most simple way to exercise while traveling is to choose simple workouts that can be done anywhere. Many options exist, from low-impact chair exercises to an endurance-building abdominal routine. If you have the time, you can start researching today, so you’ve already mastered the exercises by the time you’ve reached your travel destination.

For seniors, the key is to find a workout tailored to your individual health needs. While keeping active while traveling is important, it’s also crucial not to overdo it. Make sure to factor in the extra walking to avoid tiring yourself out.

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Pack Some Mobile Exercise Equipment

Exercise equipment can add a real boost to your workout, and not all of it has to be as bulky as an elliptical machine or as heavy as a set of weights. You can pack a comprehensive workout right in your carry-on, with plenty of room for all your other essentials.

• Resistance bands might be the most portable exercise option. There are plenty of styles to choose from, and many are as slim and lightweight as a pair of socks.
• A stretch strap can be a good accompaniment to help keep your muscles limber.
• If you’re traveling by car and have extra storage space, a pedal exerciser can help you get your extra cardio anytime, anywhere.

• Don’t forget your fitness tracker to log your workouts. If you don’t have one, here’s why you should!

Don’t Forget Your Running Shoes

While different pieces of workout equipment can help diversify your daily exercise, there’s only one piece of equipment you need if you’re going for versatility. A quality pair of running shoes will let you run, walk, and climb no matter where you are. They can be a great way to keep your body moving while exploring your destination of choice.

When picking a pair of shoes, make sure to consider support. Different feet have different needs, whether arch or heel support, extra cushioning, or correcting a gait irregularity. If your favorite pair of shoes doesn’t offer the support you need, try adding a pair of orthotic insoles for comfort and support.

Compare and find the right pair of running insoles here

Use Local Amenities

When considering your workout options while traveling, don’t forget to look in the obvious places. Many hotels have gyms open to guests, filled with treadmills, weight sets, and a variety of equipment. You can check ahead to see what yours has to offer. If you’re staying in a bustling area, you’ll likely be able to buy short-term access to a local gym, where you can workout and maybe even meet some of the locals.

If you don’t have access to a gym, try finding fitness opportunities in plain sight. Take the stairs when possible, or take a short walk rather than hire an Uber. Workout options are all around you if you take the time to look.

Plan for Fitness

Sometimes, staying fit while traveling isn’t about getting the right equipment or finding the right exercises, but choosing the right mindset. If you normally fit your daily workout in at the start of each day, then try to wake up a bit earlier on your vacation, to hit the hotel gym or squeeze in a quick jog. Research ahead of time to know exactly when, where, and what you’ll be doing, so that when the time comes, it will be easier to get started. You can also encourage your travel partners to join you, so you have an even better chance to stick to your plan.

Learn more about prioritizing your health as you travel

Don’t Forget to Watch Your Diet

In addition to your exercise plan, remember that diet plays a big role in fitness as well. However, it can be especially challenging when traveling, when we’re most tempted by food and drink that we wouldn’t otherwise consider. While it’s alright to let loose and enjoy your trip to some extent, having fun in moderation is the best way to stay healthy. Keep these basic tips in mind when on your next trip:

• Read these helpful tips for making eating out healthy
• Choose meals that incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables. While salt, fat, and sugar are okay in small doses, try not to overdo it.
• Drinking in excess is hard on our bodies, plus makes it much more difficult to rise early and face the day. When you do drink, make sure to hydrate thoroughly before you go to bed.
• Remember to stay hydrated at all hours of the day, especially when out in warm or dry climates. Pack a water bottle so you’ll always have access to clean water.

Staying Fit No Matter Where You Are

In reality, we all miss gym days every once in a while, and sometimes, vacation is the perfect time to ease up on your fitness routine. However, rather than completely abandoning your daily workout, try sneaking a bit of extra light exercise to stay in the habit. That way, that first time back on the scale won’t be so intimidating, and you’ll find it even easier to get back to your usual routine.