You’re not going to miss doing the ironing or putting the bins out when you’re strolling along a sandy beach. But there is one routine you may want to maintain when you jet off on holiday or travel for business — we’re talking exercise. Keeping active during your travels is a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and it might even enhance your overall experience.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with unwinding completely or dedicating your time to work. It’s all about finding your own balance. But if you do want to stay fit while travelling, here are our top tips to make it happen.
1. Strategically pack your workout gear
Before you zip up your suitcase, think about workout essentials like shorts, vests, a pair of running shoes and even your swimming goggles. Basically, any exercise essentials that don’t take up much space. Having them there could be what inspires you to hit the hotel gym or venture out for a morning run. If you can give yourself the opportunity to exercise with minimal fuss, you’re more likely to actually do it.
2. Explore local gyms
If your hotel doesn’t have its own gym, do a little pre-travel research to find a nearby fitness centre. This is a great way to not only maintain your routine but also experience a new environment and even meet new people. Want to keep it consistent? If you’re a David Lloyd Clubs member, depending on your type of membership, you can enjoy access to our clubs across Europe.
3. Discover outdoor workouts
At home or abroad, outdoor workouts are literally a breath of fresh air for your fitness routine. If you don’t have access to a hotel or local gym, use your downtime to go for a brisk walk or a short run. You might even want to check out some of our surprising outdoor workouts and adapt them to fit your destination — from yoga on the beach to circuit training at a nearby park.
4. Try no-equipment sessions
Your own bodyweight is an excellent tool for strength and endurance training, so you can still work up a sweat without visiting a gym. Squats, push-ups and burpees are classics mainly because they work, but also because they don’t require any special equipment. Try your hand at inventive, no-equipment routines like our cardio HIIT workout, which can be done wherever, whenever — even in small spaces, like hotel rooms — and take only 20-30 minutes to complete.
5. Unwind with yoga
Several hours on a plane or train can cramp more than just your style; it can leave you feeling tight and tense. Luckily, yoga is an excellent way to shake off the stiffness of a long journey. Wherever your travels take you, carve out a little time to practise the best yoga poses for flexibility. It’s not only about physical relief but also your mental health; yoga can be a moment of tranquillity, especially if your itinerary is otherwise packed.
6. Schedule your workouts
As you plan your trip, make sure you block out slots for exercise, just as you would for a meeting or a museum visit. It doesn’t matter where in the world you are — making exercise a fixed appointment in your day makes it more likely to actually happen.
Perhaps you’re an early bird who enjoys exploring new places at dawn or someone who prefers to unwind with an evening jog. Find what time of day works best for you and stick to it, leaving the rest of your day free for new experiences.
7. Go on active sightseeing adventures
You can enjoy the best of both worlds by combining fitness with tourism. Walk or hike between landmarks or rent a bike to cover more ground. Not only does it count as exercise, but you also get to experience more of your destination. Active sightseeing adds an element of adventure to your exercise — and exercise to your adventure.
8. Join online workouts
The convenience of virtual workouts means you don’t have to miss your exercise routine, no matter where you are. If you’re one of our members, you can use the David Lloyd Clubs app to access a variety of classes suitable for any level and style, all without leaving your hotel room. Whether it’s Pilates, cardio or one of our Signature classes, take our app with you to stay fit and healthy on your travels.
Maintaining your fitness routine doesn’t need to be a huge effort that eats into your holiday. It’s simply about making choices that work for you, whether it’s a morning swim at the hotel pool or exploring local markets on foot. Find your own balance between relaxation and activity, just like you do when you keep the kids healthy and happy during the school holidays. And if you decide to forget about exercise until you get home, well, that’s okay too.
Enjoy the journey, embrace the adventure and exercise as much (or as little) as you like. Happy travels!
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