As the winter months progress, we often find ourselves chasing the sun, quitting Melbourne’s grey skies and drizzle, and heading up north (or even OS) for a break. Regardless of whether it’s a quick trip out of town or an adventure across the world, our exercise routines change dramatically when we travel.

We get it. It’s hard to stay motivated while you travel. Everything is new and exciting, so getting in a travel workout may seem like the last thing on your mind. However, when it comes to routine and habit, it’s vital that you stay on track while on holiday, especially if you are indulging in some well deserved holiday food temptation.

So, unless you’re spending your holiday with a group of personal trainers, here are some simple travel workouts, that will help you stay active, wherever you are in the world.

 

Make a Game Plan

Before you leave home, making a few simple preparations can help to instil your fitness mindset for your trip. Pack your gym clothes at the top of your suitcase; making them the first thing you see when you unpack. Research the gym facilities at your accommodation ahead of time, this can help you to know what you are working with and plan accordingly. As if your accommodation has no gym facilities, this will also help you to pack the necessary equipment for your workouts.

Walk. Walk. Walk.

When you’re in a new destination, the best way to see everything is to walk it. Not only can this help you soak up the sights and sounds, but it is also a great way to do some exercise. Build time into your schedule for morning walks, as a 30-minute brisk stroll will refresh your muscles and give you some energy for the day.

Rent a Bike

Bikes can be found in just about every city, helping you to cover more ground and see the sights in a shorter amount of time. After hours of travel, nothing can help to gently loosen your body and stiff joints like low-impact cycling.

Pack the Essentials

When travelling, you may not always have access to a top of the range hotel gym. However, there are a number of light, easy things that you can bring yourself, which can add to the quality of your workout.

Skipping ropes are lightweight and easy to pack, they are also a great way to get a tough workout can quickly burn fat and improve your cardiovascular system.

Resistance bands are great because they take up very little space. They also come in a variety of resistance degrees and require little room in which to train.

While they might be a little larger, foam rollers are a great form of myofascial release that can smooth and lengthen your muscles. These are great after long hours of travel, helping you stretch muscles that have been stationary for a significant period of time.

You are Your Greatest Asset

No matter where you train, no piece of gear can dictate the quality of your workout. Think about the sessions that you do regularly at BIG 5 – so many of the exercise can be done with zero equipment. Squats, lunges, planks, pushups, and jumping jacks – the possibilities really are endless. No matter what your fitness level, all you need is the motivation and drive to succeed.

Travelling workouts can be as simple as you want them to be. However, if you put in the effort while on holiday, it will greatly improve and maintain the fitness level you have worked so hard to get back home. Being in a new place is a great opportunity to relax, but it is also a great opportunity to test yourself, applying the skills you learnt back home in a new and exciting environment.