Keeping Fit While Traveling

While most of us get lazy on the road, especially when traveling to warm destinations, there are various ways to keep fit while exploring.

Running

Running is the easiest form of keeping fit because all you need are running shoes. When visiting cities like Rio de Janeiro, you’ll quickly notice that jogging is part of the daily routine of a carioca. You’ll see lots of runners and bikers along the main beaches of the city, such as Copacabana and Ipanema. Regardless of where you are, a city, a town or a village, jogging allows you to exercise while visiting the place- in a very unique way.

Biking

What can you do if you have limited time to visit a big city? Rent a bike! I’ve done it in a few cities, including Valencia (Spain) and Rio (Brasil) and it was great! Not only is it a workout but you have control on where you go and when to stop.

Hiking

Hiking is a great workout if you’re near any type of mountain range. Hiking shoes are preferable, especially if there is mud or snow on the ground. If you’re anywhere close to a mountain, there are probably hiking tours that you can book. Hiking is a great way to disconnect from your routine and get a workout at the same time.

Walking

Again, all you need is a pair of good running shoes, which most of us carry in our backpacks when we travel anyway. Avoid taking transportation (cars or public transportation) when visiting a city by walking instead. You may spend more time on commuting but you see a lot more of the place you’re visiting.

Swimming

Swimming is a great exercise if you find yourself near water. Let it be the ocean, a river or a lake, taking a daily swim is not only healthy, but equally enjoyable. Once again, the only required gear is swimwear.

Become Local

You can also sometimes find workouts that are particular to the place you’re visiting. For example, if you find yourself in Bangkok, you’ll see lots of tai chi in the parks around the city. If visiting the region of Bahia in Brasil, you’ll see lots of individuals practicing capoeira. If you have time, your best bet would be to sign up for a class and get first hand training from professionals. It’s worth it!