In the excitement of packing and heading out on a trip, many of us are too quick to give up on our fitness routine. While it’s understandable that sometimes you want to take a week off on vacation, staying active can also add a new dimension to your time away. Plus, a change of scenery can add new energy and interest to your workouts.
Here are 6 tried-and-true tips to ensure you can stay active on a trip.
Pack for fitness
Make sure you bring the right gear so you can do some exercise on the road. A pair of sneakers is essential, plus active wear (shorts, shirts, bathing suit, socks) and maybe some basic equipment like resistance bands, a jump rope. Remember to double up and bring a couple of changes of clothing since you might not have access to laundry facilities as you travel.
Build it around your plans
One of the best ways to see a new city is to walk or run through the streets. If you’re staying at a hotel, ask the front desk to recommend a route for running or walking. Or maybe you’re visiting family? Plan a hike as a group to catch up while you get fresh air and exercise. If you’re preparing for a big feast, or maybe you enjoyed a holiday meal the night before? Get out for a brisk walk or a jog to work up and appetite or speed digestion.
Just get moving
After a long drive and lots of sitting around talking and socializing, the best solution to feel better is to lace up your sneakers and head out to explore the area, or maybe walk to the downtown area for dinner or coffee. Even if you end up just walking around the airport or the block. Whatever you do, try to break up the sitting and move around more. You’ll feel refreshed and sleep better.
Find the nearest fitness facilities
GoodLife Fitness has 250+ clubs in all 10 provinces, so there’s usually a GoodLife gym near you. And the best part is the gyms are familiar with all the amenities, equipment and classes you’re used to. Most hotels also have gyms or pools so you can plan a workout in the building. Make sure to check the COVID-19 safety requirements wherever you are to make the best use of your trip.
Try an online class
If you’ve got a bit of space and internet access you’ve got what you need to do an online fitness class. Check out GoodLife’s Instagram page for IGTV workouts like cardio kickboxing, dance-inspired moves, yoga, CORE and more live and on-demand through the week. If you can't find space indoors, consider taking your workout outdoors.
Use body weight or resistance tubing
Pre-planned workouts designed by fitness professionals are a great way to stay strong while you’re on the road. Try doing some moves with resistance bands, which can be used to strengthen nearly any muscle group. Or rely on your own body weight for resistance. Pushups, pullups, planks, lunges and squats are all excellent exercises to build strength in any environment.
Making fitness part of your travel plans can keep you on track so you don’t have to catch up with your fitness routine after the holidays. Best of all, you’ll see new things are meet new fitness fans wherever you go.