Whether you're on a business trip or visiting the family for the holiday, maintaining your fitness goals on the road can be challenging. However, with a little planning and creativity, it's possible to stay active and make the most of your travels. Here are our recommendations for staying fit while traveling plus some bonus tips from our coaches!
Pack the Right Gear
Before you set off on your journey, consider packing essential fitness gear. A lightweight, compact resistance band or a jump rope can provide a full-body workout in your hotel room or a nearby park. Don't forget comfortable workout clothes, sneakers, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Research Your Destination
Do some research about your travel destination before you leave. Look for nearby CrossFit gyms, fitness facilities, parks, and trails. Many hotels offer fitness centers or partnerships with local gyms. Try dropping into a local CrossFit gym. It's a common practice and can be a fun way to connect with a local community. We get over 100 drop-in visitors to our gyms every month. You'll be surprised by how welcoming they can be!
Plan Active Adventures
Take advantage of the opportunity to explore your destination while staying active. Plan activities like hiking, cycling, or walking tours. These not only provide exercise but also offer a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and scenery. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes for these adventures.
Bodyweight Workouts
When you can't access a gym or don't have any equipment, bodyweight exercises can be your best friend. Incorporate exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, planks, and burpees into your daily routine. You can do them in your hotel room or even in a local park. Check out this article for a list of travel workouts.
Opt For Using Your Feet
Use opportunities to stay active during your journey itself. Walk instead of taking taxis or public transportation whenever possible. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. If you have a layover at an airport, explore the terminal on foot rather than sitting around.
Time Management
One of the biggest challenges when traveling is finding time to exercise. To overcome this, plan your workouts into your daily schedule. Wake up a bit earlier to fit in a quick workout, or utilize your free time during the day for a gym session. Consistency is key.
Listen to Your Body
While it's essential to stay active, it's equally crucial to listen to your body. Traveling can be exhausting, and your body may need extra rest. Don't hesitate to modify your fitness routine or take a rest day when needed. Overtraining can lead to fatigue and injury.
Stay Hydrated and Get Adequate Sleep
Proper hydration and rest are often overlooked aspects of maintaining fitness while traveling. Make sure to drink enough water, especially if you're in a hot climate. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to help your body recover and stay energized. If you've been hitting it hard at home, traveling can be a great time to give your body a de-load.
Our coaches are well-versed in maintaining their fitness routines on the go. Here are several tips for staying fit while traveling from our coaches.
Coach Heidi - Find Places To Run
"I get my fitness in while traveling by finding places to run. It gives me a great opportunity to become more aware of my surroundings. I also enjoy hiking, especially mountains. It's a great challenge and a beautiful reward at the top of the climb."
Coach Justin B - Get Outside
"I like to use my fitness outside the gym while traveling! Whether it's sneaking out for a mountain bike ride before holiday festivities back home, or signing up for an active tour of the locale I'm visiting on vacation, I take some time away from the weights and enjoy a type of movement I can only do outside the gym."
Coach Steph - Drop Into A Local Gym
"We love to drop into local gyms when we travel! It’s fun to take class, meet the coaches, and work out alongside new people. We often pick up fun warm-up ideas and movement progressions as well! And of course, it’s the best way to get an effective workout in just 60 minutes."
Coach Shawn - Carry What You Can
"This past year my family has done a lot of traveling in our RV. A majority of our fitness has been riding bikes and hiking. The RV has also given us an opportunity to take a few items along the way. KBs, DBs, and a sandbag have been easy equipment to pack that we can quickly pull out and do an EMOM or fun AMRAP."
Coach Sam - Play A Sport
"While traveling, I’ll find an activity outside or enjoy my time off! Maybe even drop-in at a Crossfit gym. For example, when I visit my family in Miami we play pickleball and beach volleyball!"
Staying fit while traveling requires some planning and adaptability, but it's definitely achievable. With the right mindset and a few practical tips, you can continue working towards your fitness goals, even on the go. So, don't let travel be an excuse to neglect your health. Embrace the opportunity to stay active and explore new destinations while keeping your fitness routine. Safe travels and stay active!
Looking to start your fitness journey? We're pretty good at getting people to stick to their gym routines. If you'd like to try a class at one of our three locations in Boston, click "free trial" in the top right of the screen here to get signed up for your first class.