Want to stay fit while traveling? Many people find it challenging to maintain their fitness routine without access to their regular gym equipment or workout space. But combining fitness and travel isn’t just possible – it can make your journey even better.
Whether you live from a suitcase, journey in an RV, or move between hotels, you’ll discover many ways to stay active. Our guide shows you practical workout ideas and travel-friendly gear that fit any adventure.
Outdoor workouts | Portable gear | Combine Strength and Cardio | Stay Active | Adapt to Your Environment | Final Thoughts
Turn Nature into Your Gym
Save money and explore new places by working out in the great outdoors.
Hit the Trails
Find local hiking trails to boost your heart rate and discover new landscapes. Hiking works for everyone – choose easy walks or challenging mountain treks based on your fitness level. Check out our beginner’s hiking gear guide to get started.
Run and Explore
Running helps you build cardio and endurance while discovering new places. I like that it is easy to get started – all you need is a pair of good running shoes.
I started my own running journey as a beginner and found that apps provide great structure for a new running routine.
The free Adidas Running app creates a personalized running program that’s easy to follow. As your running improves, you might want more advanced features. I upgraded to Runna ($20/month) for custom training plans that sync with Fitbit.
Both apps work great for travelers at different fitness levels and needs. If you’re new to running or carrying extra weight like I was, check out my guide on “How to Start Running When Overweight” for helpful tips.
Pack Smart with Portable Gear
Transform any space into a gym with lightweight equipment that fits in your luggage.
Resistance Bands
What makes them great for travelers:
- Portability: Lightweight and fits in a small bag
- Versatility: Different resistance levels for customized workouts
- Ease of Use: Hotel room workouts easy
- Perfect for quick strength training anywhere
Use cabinet handles and door jams for anchoring points. Here’s a list of different resistance band exercises to try.
Fit Simplify Resistance Tube Bands 12 Piece Set
Key Features:
- Multiple bands with different resistance levels
- Door anchor
- Carrying bag
Jump Rope
Engage in jump roping for a potent cardiovascular workout that requires minimal space and can be done virtually anywhere. Here are some of the benefits:
- Burns calories
- Improves coordination and balance
- Builds bone density
- Full-body workout in a short period
Crossrope Get Lean Set – Weighted Jump Rope
Key Features:
- Workouts and progress tracking through the Crossrope app
- Durable ropes for any surface
- Weighted ropes enhance workout intensity
Portable Kettlebells
Kettlebell workouts do a great job of combining strength and cardio training, great for travelers with limited free time. These might be better suited for traveling in the car trunk, but I’ve read that bowling ball bags can be great carrying cases for airports. Here are some benefits of kettlebell workouts:
- Low-impact cardio
- Coordination improvements
- Helps keep muscles balanced
- Improves grip strength
One great all-in-one kettlebell exercise is the Russian kettlebell swing. If you haven’t tried kettlebell workouts yet, you will be pleasantly surprised.
PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell
Key Features:
- Adjusts between 18, 22, 26, and 35 pounds
- Steel selection pin with magnetic lock
- Durable coating and comfortable grip
- 5-year warranty
Portable Home Gyms
Consider an all-in-one gym for extended stays. These offer more complete workout options but take up more space than suitcase-friendly gear.
Combine Strength and Cardio: Bodyweight Exercises
You don’t need equipment to stay fit. Your body provides everything you need for an effective workout.
Essential Moves
Push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and planks work anywhere with enough space. Download the Nike Training Club app for free workouts led by athletes like Serena Williams and Simone Biles. Get it on the App Store or Google Play.
Yoga
Roll out a yoga mat for strength and flexibility work. Yoga offers physical, mental, and spiritual benefits, including improved posture – especially helpful if you work long hours at a desk. Start a session anywhere, anytime with just a quality mat.
Not sure where to get started? I have gone through several yoga apps and believe Down Dog is the best. (They also do mat Pilates, mediation, and HIIT to name a few others.) They create curated yoga workouts based on your needs and personal details, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow.
My favorite part is the variety in the workouts. No two days are ever the same. The last I checked it was $10/month, and sometimes they do deals when you combine with their other fitness apps.
Mat Pilates
Mat Pilates focuses on core strength, posture, and alignment without the hefty price tags you will see in Reformer classes. Like yoga, it only requires minimal space and a mat.
Stay Active Throughout Your Day
Small movement adds up to big fitness gains.
- Walk Everywhere: Opt for walking over driving to experience local sights while burning calories.
- Take the Stairs: Choose stairs over elevators to increase daily activity levels.
- Stand Up Regularly: Make it a point to stand and stretch regularly, especially during long travel days.
Adapt to Different Environments
Hot Weather Workouts
- Prioritize hydration – you’ll lose more fluids through sweat
- Carry a water bottle during workouts
- Learn other ways to stay hydrated besides drinking water
- Exercise during cooler hours (early morning or late evening)
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothes
- Wear hats and use sunscreen
High Altitude Training
- Allow several days for altitude adjustment
- Reduce workout intensity at first
- Focus on steady, moderate activities like walking
- Increase fluid and electrolyte intake
- Monitor oxygen levels with an oximeter or a fitness band
Cold Climate Strategies
- Dress in removable layers
- Always cover your head, hands, and feet for heat retention
- Warm up indoors before outdoor exercise
- Try seasonal activities like skiing or snowshoeing
Urban Fitness and Travel Ideas
- Use parks and riverside paths for running, yoga, or bodyweight exercises
- Walk or jog between tourist spots to combine sightseeing with exercise
- Join drop-in classes at local gyms or studios to meet people
Final Thoughts: Keep Moving
Don’t let travel interrupt your fitness routine. With planning and flexibility, you can stay active anywhere by adjusting workouts to fit your schedule and surroundings. Stay consistent by choosing activities that excite you, no matter where you explore.
Want more fitness and travel tips? Comment below and subscribe to the Gorilla Gazette for updates delivered to your inbox.
More from Bananomad
- Whether you’re a full-time RV dweller or a weekend warrior, mastering interior storage is crucial for comfortable living on the road.
- Are you planning your next road trip adventure? Bananomad explores 15 surprising road trip essentials that you’ll be glad you packed.
- If you’ve thought hot tubs were expensive and a lot of work to set up, it’s time to explore inflatable hot tubs.
Leave a Reply