Keeping Fit While Traveling
June 17th, 2009

This post was inspired by the exceptionally sore muscles I’m experiencing in my first week back to working out after my trip to South Korea. 

 

I am an avid exerciser and a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor, so I generally try to get to the gym at least a few times on vacation. This trip, however, was jam-packed with activities and adventure which left little time for the gym (I didn’t make it once, I’ll admit). As much as I love my exercise, I wasn’t going to pass up a trip to the DMZ or the famous shrines of Busan for a trip to the hotel fitness center.  

 

 So how can one keep up their fitness routine while traveling without missing out on sightseeing? Here are a few suggestions:

 

  • If you must go to a gym, find a hotel with a 24 hour gym or one with early/late hours. This will let you work out without having to cut your exploring short. 
  • Utilize strength training exercises that don’t require weights – push ups, crunches, dips (you can use the edge of a chair, tub, table).
  • Purchase an exercise band (the kind that looks like a tube with handles on the end). These are very easy to pack and can be used to work almost any muscle group. 
  • Jump rope! Again, easy to pack and great cardio (don’t think so? If you don’t jump rope regularly, try jumping at a good pace for just 10 minutes and see how you feel!)
  • Get out and explore the city on foot! Find some local spots to hike or trail walk if possible. If you’re trying to keep up your milage, use Google Maps to plan our your sightseeing walk for the day to maximize your miles. 

 

I’m sure others have battled with post-vacation muscle fatigue and welcome you to share your ways for keeping in shape while traveling! 

One Response to “Keeping Fit While Traveling”

  1. Jen LPopa says:
    August 11, 2009 at 7:20 pm

    Great suggestions. I also experienced extremely sore leg muscles after my first 2 days exploring Hong Kong and could have used this suggestions. Sometimes it’s the simplest ideas that escape us at the time when we need them most. Strength training is by far the best suggestion.

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