You’ve been travelling 30 hours straight from South East Asia, to get to the great US of A, and the last thing you want to do, is to hit the gym. Jet lag is weighing you down like a ton of bricks and honestly, who can be asked to exercise?
Well, here are some practical tips to keep up with fitness while on the road. You don’t have to hit the gym if you don’t want to.. the good news is that there are plenty of other great alternatives, for maintaining fitness even if you have to travel frequently.
photo credit – crickladefunrun [dot] co [dot] uk
This is a no brainer, but pack your running shoes and exercise clothes on top of the pack. When you arrive at your destination, at least you will be reminded to work out instead of sleeping (which will in fact, worsens the jet-lag) or binge eat in your hotel room. Explore your hotel or go for a swim if the gym is not for you.
2. Walk around
Again if you hate confined spaces like the gym – go for a walk. This is the best way to see the city, but be sure to get a map from the hotel before setting out. If you don’t have much time, or if you’re worried of getting lost and losing track of time, then plan your itinerary on MapMyWalk.com before arrival and ask the concierge for input. Download MapMyWalk’s free Smartphone app to monitor your calories burned, time your workout, and record your distance in real time.
3. Improvise
If the city you’re visiting is not safe for walking around alone, especially if you are a woman, then improvise. Pack something for resistance training, such as a resistance band, or try some of these exercises that don’t require much space to work out. You can do it in the comfort of your hotel room.
4. Use your social media expertise
Who isn’t connected these days? Just tweet out using hash-tags like #fitness and #exercise, and you will be surprised to see just how many bite! Make friends quickly and soon you will no longer exercise alone, no matter what country you are in. Ask for tips on running parks, or running events, if you’d rather just work out solo.
5. Sign Up for a Local Run
It is good to do some research on the local fitness scene by planing your trip before you leave. A quick google will help you find local runs at MapMyRun.com, and a list of running clubs at Road Runners Club of America. If you are in New York for the great NY marathon, by all means register for it online before you arrive in that city. If you are in Berlin, there are many parks and running trails to meet your fitness needs that aren’t too far to reach.
6. Rent a Bike
One of the most fun ways to explore a town and get your exercise while your at it, is to ride a bike. It sure beats walking and you get the breeze in your face. It’s a good cardio workout as well.
7. Dance little lady, dance
If the night scene suits you then instead of just chugging beer at the bar, go to a joint where they play rocking music and get dancing. You will burn more calories than walking even but just make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Once you get back you will be exhausted enough to sleep.
8. Move it.. just a little bit
So, you’re done with one city, and you’re off again, jet-setting to your next destination. You might not actually realize this but you’ve clocked up way too many hours, being immobile, and that can’t be good for the heart. If you don’t mind looking a little silly, try lunges and push ups in the plane isles (during the quiet periods), on the long haul. It sure beats sitting in once place for too long as this could really pose a hazard to your health.
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