Road Warrior bloggers share how they stay healthy on the road
Staying fit on the road can be challenging, as travel takes you out of your normal routine and hectic schedules make it tough to schedule gym time. To help, we asked eight travel bloggers to offer up advice about how they stay active away from home.
1. Rease Kirchner of Indecisive Traveler: I'm in love with bodyweight circuit training exercises. Workout clothes and shoes take up enough room in my carry-on-only life, and hotel gyms tend to resemble someone's long-forgotten garage; so I have an arsenal of workouts I can do without any equipment. Much-hated but oh-so-effective moves like burpees, squat jumps and plank are perfect for working out on the road. While I have some videos I enjoy, I always anticipate no internet/bad signal, so I keep several text files on my computer that just have timed routines such as a list of moves done to a Tabata Interval timer app I have on my phone.
2. Phil Derner of NYCAviation: Planning ahead is key; I choose hotels that have adequate fitness centers or that have nearby gyms with reasonably priced passes. Many people use food and protein supplements when they work out but tend to slack when they aren't, which is exactly what supplements are for. Use supplements as supplements, and keep up that protein to keep up metabolism. Purchase small Ziploc snack bags, and scoop protein powder into the bags to make as many single-dose protein shakes as you need for your trip.
3. Alexandra Kováčová of Fit When Traveling: I try to be vegan as much as I can as it's easier for my body to stay healthy that way. At least 20 minutes of yoga per day and 10,000 steps is what keeps me fit on the road. I use Fitbit stepper to keep motivated and add swimming and hiking into my schedule whenever possible.
4. Dave Dean of Too Many Adapters: I used to run a lot before starting traveling full-time, but found it hard to maintain on the road. I turned to the Map My Run site, not to track the actual running — I use Runkeeper for that — but to show routes that other users have taken so I don't need to find my own. It's definitely helped! Also, I recently received a Fitbit as a birthday present, and it's already making a difference to how I explore new cities. Rather than taking the bus, subway or taxi to a destination, I've found myself thinking 'Oh, it's only three miles' and walking there instead. As a result, I get to explore new neighborhoods and find all sorts of interesting places I'd never otherwise get to see — and I easily hit my step goal for the day, as well.
5. Leif Harum of The Runaway Guide. Ever since I left home at 16 I've been traveling and eating my way around the world. I never gave much thought to health. That is until I hit 26 and my six pack transformed into a fat pack. Today I've come to realize that nothing is more important or challenging than staying healthy while on the road. How do I do it? One, drink massive amounts of water; and two, stretch before bed and after getting up. Both simple yet effective for staying slim, avoiding back pains and ultimately more happiness on the road.
6. Kyle Zuvella of The Faraway Guide. The number one fitness product I bring on my travels is a resistance band. These bands are cheap, barely take any space in your luggage and offer a full-body workout — especially when you use the included door anchor. There will be enough space in your hotel room for a wide variety of exercises and stretches, enough so that I've often bypassed a hotel's limited "gym" in favor of my own, more effective workout.
7. Alyssa Ramos of My Life's A Movie. Since I'm more of an adventure-seeker, I always opt for hikes or activities that involve movement, like paddleboarding or kayaking. I also try to encourage people to walk or ride bikes when sightseeing instead of taking a car or bus, not only because you'll see a lot more and really get immersed, but you'll get a good work out. Another way I stay fit on the road is by bringing granola or power bars — or even protein powder and a shaker — that way I know I'm getting the nutrients I need, and also keeping my metabolism on track since when you're traveling you're not always eating at your usual time.
8. Derek Freak of The HoliDaze. I always travel with a jump rope — it's cheap, easy and doesn't take up any of that precious space within your luggage. It also helps to opt for walking instead of taking a taxi or two whatever crazy form of local transportation is available. Don't forget to visit the local market or deli to get some fresh fruit, veggies and bread and whip up your own healthy dinner.
Jessica Festa is the founder on the solo and offbeat travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and the online responsible tourism and culture magazine, Epicure & Culture. She's constantly searching for local experiences beyond the guidebook. You can follow her travels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.