For many people, staying healthy and fit is difficult enough as it is. It takes a lot of commitment and mental energy to get yourself to exercise regularly and make smart dietary decisions for every meal, snack, and drink throughout the day. And when you’re forced out of your normal routine, even for a fun activity such as traveling or going on a road trip, it becomes more difficult to stay consistent with fitness plans.
If you’re like most people, you tend to throw your health plans out the window as soon as you sit in your car. One will be busy during the road trip; it will be difficult to prep meals, buy fresh groceries, cook healthy foods, and hit the gym, so why bother? While you’ll likely get back on track as soon as you come back home after traveling, maintaining a health and fitness regime is still quite important regardless of what you’re doing or going. So, take a look at a few simple tips and tricks that’ll help you stay on top of your game.
Take Fitness Breaks En Route
There’s no better feeling than sitting in your land cruiser ute with the favorite playlist and enjoying the ride. You wouldn’t mind driving 24/7 and not leaving your car once during an excellent road trip that takes all worries off your mind.
But, if you want to maintain health and fitness levels while traveling, the first thing you need to do is schedule short workout sessions en route. Take your bike with you if you can using a tailgate pad. But really, you don’t need to have an elliptical in your trunk or even a yoga mat on your backseat to do a few stretches or jumping jacks while you travel. All you need is a little space away from the road.
Even if you’re traveling by plane, train, or bus, you can find time and space for a few light exercises. Stretch a little while you’re waiting to board the plane, walk up and down the stairs at the bus station, stroll through the cars on the train. It doesn’t take much to stay active en route.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Take a Walk.
While a road trip inevitably involves a lot of driving, don’t be afraid to take a walk once you’ve reached your destination. An hour walk can burn between 210 and 360 calories and help maintain a healthy weight during your travels.
Not to mention that it can help you get acquainted with your new surroundings and make your road trip all the better. Go sightseeing with your road trip buddies, walk to the nearest beach, take a hike up the nearby hills, and have a picnic in the most Instagram worthy location.
3. Do a Short Workout Sesh Every Day
If you can’t schedule your regular workout session during your travels, do what you can. If you have just a few minutes of free time, make use of them. It’s much better to exercise for just a few minutes every day than not to exercise at all.
Do a few pushups when you wake up in the morning, some crunches before lunch, and some sit-ups before you go out for the night. All these short exercises add up at the end of the day and help you stay fit while traveling. However much free time you have, use it creatively to up the ante on your travel workout routine.
4. Try the Local Cuisine
When you’re on a road trip, you don’t tend to waste time standing in the room’s mini-kitchen and sweating in front of the stove. One would want to explore, try new things, and enjoy new surroundings. That’s what road trips are all about.
But just because you don’t want to waste time cooking doesn’t mean you need to go to McDonald’s for your every meal. Visit a nice local diner and have a sit-down meal at a nearby restaurant. Try the local cuisine, don’t just hit all the fast food places along the road. And, don’t stress if you do have to get fast food on occasion. Just follow the simple rule – never twice in a row. If you eat fast food for lunch, make sure your dinner’s healthy. If you snack on chips and salsa, eat an apple next time.
5. Commit to Your Normal Routine
Finally, the best tip for staying healthy and fit on a road trip is committing to your normal routine as much as possible. If your regular mealtimes are at 8 AM, 1 PM, and 7 PM, stick to that schedule. If you usually hit the gym early in the morning, try and exercise at your hotel room at that time while you’re traveling.
We’re all creatures of habit, and our bodies are used to following a specific schedule, even if we’re not aware of it. So, try to commit to your normal routine and follow your regular schedule. If you have to be innovative and use filled water bottles instead of standard weights, do it. It’s much easier committing to your routine than you may think.
Final Thoughts
Staying healthy and fit while you travel isn’t all that difficult if you’re committed to it. So, make healthy eating and exercise a priority during your trip, and you should have nothing to worry about.