We just got back from a quick family getaway. One of the reasons we enjoy living overseas is, without a doubt, the opportunities to travel. I love to travel and experience new places, cultures, and food! While this might not be a popular opinion, I think it is important to stay active even when you are on vacation or traveling for work. I feel my best when I am active, and I want to continue to feel my best at home or away.
Even traveling, I try to maintain a daily movement practice. This looks different depending on where we are traveling.
Suppose we are going to the beach and plan to spend a lot of time lying on the beach with a good book. In that case, I try to get in actual workouts either in the hotel gym, a run, or something that allows me to sightsee while staying active, like a walking or biking tour, a hike, or water sports like snorkeling or just playing in the waves. I can quickly get a Pilates session either at the gym or in my hotel room.
If we are visiting a new city and there will be a lot of walking, I don’t worry too much about adding additional exercise because walking is fantastic. We love downloading audio tours to help us learn about a new city or hire a local tour guide for a more personalized approach.
I would also say that deciding to hit the relaxation button and not exercise is also ok. There is defiantly something to be said for total relaxation and its benefits for decreased stress. I find my daily movement practice the most crucial way to stay relaxed, sleep better and keep stress at bay. However, you do you. Only you know what your body needs.
I would encourage you to try fitting in exercise into your next holiday and see if it makes a difference in your own physical and mental health and well-being while traveling and once you get home.
Top tips for adding exercise and movement while traveling:
- If you are visiting a new city, take a walking or biking tour with an audioguide or local tour guide. Walking is fantastic exercise. When you are visiting a new city, you will be so busy checking out the sites you won’t notice all the excellent exercise you are getting simultaneously. (Bonus: if you have kids, it will tire them out, and they will sleep better at night, which seems always to be a challenge in a hotel room.
- Hit the hotel gym. Many resorts have well-equipped fitness centers and may even include free exercise classes. This could be an opportunity to try something new (maybe even for free).
- Grab your phone and tackle your favorite Pilates workouts from your membership. With so many classes, 30 minutes or less, you will be on and off your mat and feeling great before you know it. I love to bring my booty bands when I travel. They are lightweight and give you a lot of bang for your buck. Here are some of my favorites:
I am a huge believer in the ability of exercise to keep us performing at our highness physical and mental levels. Travel doesn’t need to derail that, but it also doesn’t need to overwhelm you and detract from your time.
