If you’ve been justifying travel days as cheat days, time to think again. Regardless of whether you’re only hopping to a nearby getaway for a few days or internationally for a lengthy stay, it is important to make an effort to stay fit when your normal routine has gone for a toss; these six tips will help you stay fit and fabulous while you’re traveling –
1. Pay Attention To F&B – Start your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel yourself with enough energy for the day and to get your metabolism pumping as soon as you wake up. Visit a local grocery store to stock up on healthy snacks like nuts, oatmeal, energy bars and fruit to prevent over-eating. Stick to healthier, whole food based meals as much as possible. And, drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Most importantly, avoid liquid calories in the form of cold drinks and alcohol (atleast for breakfast 🙂 ! ) as much as you can. If you really want to indulge in some booze on special nights, then wine and light beers are healthier options than sugary mixed drinks.
2. Walk, Cycle, Climb – Ditch local cabs and buses as much as possible and instead map out your own walking tour or cycling tour around town. You stay fit and end up seeing a lot more this way! Small steps in the right direction pay off in the long run. Literally. So, skip the escalators and elevators and take the stairs to work those glutes every day. Not having access to a gym is no excuse.
3. Add some adventure to your itinerary – There’s nothing like the great outdoors to freshen the mind and work up a sweat. A hike/trek in the countryside or national parks will give you variety in your itinerary and ensure that not all your days are spent being a beach bum.
4. Indulge In Healthy Activities With Locals – Integrate some local, healthy activities into your schedule while traveling, such as local dance classes, yoga. Added bonus – you’ll get to make new friends and bring back a few new moves on the dance floor.
5. Work Out In Your Room – While most hotels have an on-site gym and pool, if your schedule is really erratic, you can actually work out within your own room. Carry a skipping rope. Plan a mini HIIT routine that includes burpees, sit ups, push ups, squats, planks and more.
6. Embrace Technology – Download easy-to-use apps on your phone to keep track of your calorie intake and fitness routine. Many apps provide customized routines, count your daily steps and even send out reminders.
Traveling doesn’t have to throw your healthy lifestyle out the window – a little pre-planning and following these six tips will keep you in perfect shape no matter what corner of the world you’re in!