For even the most dedicated fitness enthusiast, it can be tricky to stick to training when you’re travelling. When holidaying and having fun it’s difficult to find the motivation to seek out a gym or keep up struct workouts.
But if you don’t want to lose muscle mass, cardio fitness and your gains, there are ways to incorporate training into holiday’s abroad without feeling like it’s a drag. Here’s how.
Use your runs for sightseeing
If you’re already going to be seeking out the local sites, why not just run to them? A great way to explore a city is by running, and you don’t need to take any extra equipment in your luggage. Just your trainers and a credit card, so you can treat yourself to a local delicacy on the way back – it is a holiday after all!
Keep your training as simple as possible
If you follow a super complicated training routine, then you will find it next to impossible to stick to when away from home. Instead, decide on workouts that need no extra equipment and can be done at any time. Think bodyweight exercises, high intensity interval training (HITT), squats, burpees, push-ups and pull-ups. If you’re on the beach, do them there. If you’re in a city, do them in your hotel room before you start your day. There is always a way to pack in these kinds of exercises.
Don’t forget your resistance bands
One of the best ways to continue effective strength workouts while travelling is by using fitness bands. They take up hardly any space in your luggage and are super effective. So, if you find that you can’t access a gym, simply workout in your hotel room.
Work out as soon as you wake up
If you’re on holiday with a partner, or a big group of friends, you may not have your full itinerary planned out. This means you don’t know what your holiday companions will want to do day to day. The best way to make sure you fit your training in is to do it as soon as you wake up, before you get derailed by changing plans.
Get up and go for a run for half an hour. Do a HITT workout next to your bed or go swimming. Anything is better than nothing when it comes to continuing training while travelling.
Try renting a bike
If you don’t fancy running around a new city or region while on holiday, you can always rent a bike and get your cardio in that way. Many hotels offer bike rentals to guests, and it’s usually possible to find a community group to ride with if you want. It’s a great way to find your way around a new city and doing it with locals can help if you don’t know the area well.
Research the area before you go
Going to a new place is a great opportunity to add some variety into your training routine. Use your holiday as a chance to step outside of your exercise comfort zone by finding something new to do. Find out whether there are outdoor activities you can try, such as rock climbing, hiking or trail running.
Always remain flexible with your routine
Unless you are specifically training for a big competition or marathon, remember that you don’t have to be rigid about your routine while you’re away. Ideally, you want to maintain a level of consistency to ensure you don’t go backwards, but it shouldn’t disrupt your holiday time. It’s all about balance and getting back to stricter training as soon as you return home.
About Surya G Iacono
Surya G Iacono is a fitness and wellness expert and blogger based in London, UK. Surya’s fitness blogs are aimed at keen gym-goers and exercise fans already well into their journey and looking for tips, tricks and ideas to take it to the next level.