When travelling, it’s understandable that your fitness sometimes takes a backseat. However, it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of ways to easily manage both your health and the trip, so don’t feel the need to throw your regime out of the window.
Here are just five things you need to know if you’re desiring a healthy trip.
Your Diet is the Worst Offender
It’s safe to say what you eat is the key factor in you staying fit or losing it whilst travelling, with a staggering 44% of travellers admitting to falling into bad habits whilst on holiday. Honestly I’m surprised it’s not more than 44%. With the undeniable temptation of the local cuisines proving too much for some, it’s important you don’t constantly indulge – be mindful of your intake, as too much of the calorific stuff will take its toll.
If you’re going overboard with the good stuff on holiday, keep in mind you’ll have your work cut out for you once you’re back home. Sure, you should let yourself go and have a treat here and there, but don’t make it a constant thing. You’ll thank yourself for it in the future. Try eating only one gluttonous meal a day, instead of all three. It’s okay in moderation but if you aren’t doing a lot of walking and are eating very unhealthy, it will catch up to you.
Bring Equipment with You
Why not bring some of your exercise equipment with you? Although some of it might be unsuitable to drag along on holiday, things such as a skipping rope will prove to be a great addition to a morning workout. If you aren’t keen on bringing equipment with you (darn you Ryanair baggage requirements), you can make-do with things on your travels. Staying in an AirBNB? Maybe use a heavy book as a weight while doing crunches! I’ve been guilty for doing things like that and it actually works.
The jump rope is actually one of the most effective forms of cardio out there. It’s said by the British Rope Skipping Association that just ten minutes of skipping equates to forty-five minutes of running, as echoed by Cosmopolitan – if you’re on a tight schedule, a quick burst of jumping rope will surely get you going. That may even help you wake up!
Swimming is a Great Exercise
Alternatively, take a dip in the pool (or the sea) and do a few lengths to really work yourself. Although swimming may not seem like a worthy workout, it’s actually one of the most effective out there – acting as a strength, resistance and cardiovascular exercise all in one, you’ll really be pushing yourself.
It’s also great for mental health, too. Swimming has been proven to naturally relieve stress and increase happiness, so if a stressful travel experience has left you feeling tight and worked up, consider quite literally swimming away from your troubles. After all… “exercise releases endorphins and endorphins make people happy and happy people don’t kill their husbands, they just don’t!”
…as is Cycling
Skip the public transport and the taxis – instead, hop on a bicycle. To get around you can always walk, but cycling is more of an effective exercise. And, as an added bonus, you’ll get to your destination quicker. If you can rent a bike, do it. This is especially easy in Europe because the whole country’s favorite method of transportation seems to be a bicycle.
Cycling is obviously good for your legs, building muscle and trimming fat. But weight loss will also happen all over the body, and with cycling being an aerobic workout you’ll also be improving your circulation, great for your heart, brain and your blood vessels.
Activities Can also be Unique Workouts
Alternatively, if dedicated workouts aren’t for you, think about the benefits of the activities you can get up to. From hiking and climbing to white-water rafting, there are plenty of ways to work your body without even thinking about it. If you’re the kind of traveller who wants non-stop thrills, you’ll be exercising and you won’t even know it. When I was on a trip to Spain with my boyfriend, I tried to walk as much as we could to exercise off all of the Sangria we consumed (whoops). It actually worked!
Do you have any more tips for staying healthy on holiday? Let us know in the comments below.
Such a great & tips for a usefull Healthy Trip. I love the that you shared these point, Which is really amazing & one point that I like most “Swimming” yes Swimming is a Great Exercise. I do Swimming & personally I feel healthy.