Traveling can be so fun and rewarding, but definitely isn’t always as glamorous as Instagram makes it out to be. There’s a reason no one ever documents the in-between moments of traveling, like being stuck at the airport or being isolated to an airplane for hours on end while inhaling the stench of a stranger’s flatulence.
For me, one of the drawbacks of traveling is breaking routine or habits I’ve built up overtime when at home. For most, rigid fitness routines and a healthy eating lifestyle go out the window the moment we begin a vacation. While I’m all for living in the moment on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, my body definitely feels it when I go home and back to reality.
Below are a few things I do to help maintain some level of a fitness regimen while on vacation.
1. Maintain Your Daily Step Goal
Whether you’re on a relaxing vacation, e.g. sitting beach side with a book in one hand and a margarita in the other, or going to see all the sites, an easy way to measure if you’re maintaining some level of activity is hitting your step goal. For some this may be super easy as their vacation style is to be go, go, go. For others, this may be tougher if your vacation style is to relax and sit and do the bare minimum. Regardless, make sure to fit in a walk or two to get that heart rate pumping and those legs moving.
2. Use ClassPass Across the U.S.
If you’re a ClassPass user, you already know of the many benefits of it. One of the best features of ClassPass is that it grants you access to workout studios and gyms across the entire continental United States. Anytime I travel to visit friends or a new city, one of my favorite things to do is try out different instructors or new fitness studios local to that city. It also helps you feel part of the community and helps you experience a new place as a local, vs as a tourist.
If you’re not on ClassPass right now, but want to get $40 off your first month, or get your first month free, use my referral link!
3. Work Out When You’re Trying to Beat Jet Lag
Did you know that one way to beat jet lag once you arrive to your destination is exercise outside? A study from Japan, which observed flight attendants traveling from Tokyo to L.A., found that outdoor exercise cut jet lag recovery time from four days to three.
To help combat jet lag when you arrive to your destination, take a brisk 20- to 30-minute walk outside in the fresh air.
The next day and for several days after, follow the same gym routine you would at home. If you workout at 8:00 a.m., do the same in your new time zone. Even though you may be on holiday, doing this for the first two or three days can pay off by improving alertness and reducing fatigue.
4. Use YouTube to Your Advantage
Don’t have access to a hotel gym and want get your body moving while you’re away? Try a 20 minute cardio workout or a no-equipment workout that you can find on YouTube. I don’t use YouTube often when I’m at home but, some of my favorite fitness trainers to follow on YouTube are PopSugar Fitness and Millionaire Hoy.
5. Choose a Place to Stay with Work Out Amenities
If you’re not motivated to workout in your Airbnb or hotel, choose accommodations with fitness amenities. For me, I never regret paying a little more for a hotel if I know I plan on using their free gym, or will have access to their hotel-exclusive exercise classes. You know what motivates you to keep active while on vacation, so ensure you set yourself up for success!
