FIT IN FITNESS IN YOUR TRAVELS
You just might be planning some fun trips over the next few months. Or you might be traveling for business. In either case, there’s no reason you can’t keep up on your fitness. A combination of planning ahead and determination to put in some workout or exercise time into your travels should do it. Here are some tips:
Pack for Workouts
Before your travels, research to see if your hotel has a fitness facility. Also, if your trip is in the US and you belong to a fitness organization like 24 Hour Fitness or LA Fitness & especially if you belong to Silver Sneakers, bring along your member info. You could join in a yoga or BodyPump or Zumba class or use a few of the various machines all clubs have.
Here are some workout essentials you may wish to pack in your suitcase:
- Swimsuit & goggles
- Running or athletic shoes
- Resistance tubing
- Yoga mat
- Jump rope
- Exercise clothing
- Tablet or smartphone & headphones
Along the Way
Unfortunately, whether you’re traveling by plane, train or car you’ll probably be sitting for long periods. This can be especially hard on us seniors where arthritic joints, a bad back or sciatica can screw up the journey. To somewhat alleviate these, add in some activities such as walking through the airport (without stopping at the shops!) or strolling through the cars of the train or periodically pulling off the highway and getting out for a stretch session or a short walk.
When You Reach Your Destination
Use the hotel fitness facility or a nearby club at which you’re a member- Take a walk to check out your surroundings including parks, running trails & bike paths (rental bikes are becoming ubiquitous in most cities) that you can use during your stay
- Swim laps in the hotel pool.
In Your Room or at a Close-by Park
- First warm up and then go through an exercise routine. This might include squats, lunges, pushups, jumping jacks, bird dogs, planks and balancing on one leg at a time. Or make use of that jump rope you packed. Don’t forget to cool down.
- Add in some strength work by using resistance tubing as you would at home or in place of dumbbells.
- Take an online class using your laptop, tablet or smartphone.
Of course you want to make your vacation or business trip as enjoyable as possible. Thus, you can always make your workout shorter or easier than usual. Still, I’ll bet you’ll go home feeling better—and maybe even adding in a few extra memories—if you take out time each day for some physical activity.