Welcome to 2022! Are you planning a post-holiday winter getaway? Maybe your bags are packed, your itinerary is planned, and your accommodations are set. However, you may be wondering how you can maintain your fitness routine as you travel.

According to the National Council on Aging, older adults should engage in moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. If you’re wondering how to incorporate such workouts into your travel plans, I have some tips for you to stay on the go from anywhere, and create opportunities to reach your desired level of fitness – while seeing the best of your chosen travel destination!

Read on for 3 ways to stay fit while traveling:

Visit Your Hotel Fitness Center

As of 2018, 85% of hotels in the United States are equipped with fitness centers. Most major brands, from Marriott to Wyndham, offer on-site gyms, and they’re usually equipped with a variety of state-of-the-art machines to meet guest demand.

Bikes, treadmills, and weight machines have become standard, though many hotels deliver above and beyond fitness amenities, in the hopes of incentivizing guests to become repeat customers. For example, certain Hilton sites will allow you to stock your room with a variety of exercise equipment, including indoor bikes and meditation chairs, so you can work out in private, and without having to traverse several floors and corridors to access the gym facility.

Many other hotels offer pools, fitness classes, and exercise courts as part of their standard amenities. Don’t be afraid to ask your concierge for more information about your hotel fitness center upon arrival!

Book Local Recreational Activities

Recreational activities can help you have fun and stay fit while you’re sightseeing in a new place. Surfing, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, rock climbing, and skiing are only a few ways to get a good workout, while exploring the unique natural environments of your destination.

Importantly, participating in indoor recreational activities can also elevate your travel plans. For example, bowling may not sound appealing on vacation, but it takes on a whole new meaning when done at a place like the Highland Park Bowl, a venue built during prohibition restored to its 1920s glory, and which is now a Los Angeles landmark.

From line-dancing at Nashville’s Wild Horse Saloon to practicing Tai-Chi at China’s Temple of Heaven Park, you can find many ways to stay active and see the best of a new location through indoor and outdoor recreation.

Take a Walk!

Harvard Medical School has found there are many benefits to walking for all ages (no surprise there). Even a 20-minute walk per day can boost immune function. While traveling, you can maintain your optimum level of health and fitness with a walking tour that highlights the best of your new surroundings.

Many companies offer both guided and self-guided walking tours, in natural and urban environments. Some trips are more expensive than others but offer many benefits. Many National Parks allow you to visit backcountry areas with a naturalist guide.

Walking tours can be a great way to stay fit as you experience the sights and sounds unique to your destination. Don’t forget to bring bottled water, chap stick, and the sunscreen if necessary!

With these 3 ways to stay fit while traveling, you can ensure that you’ll remain healthy and active away from home, without breaking your wellness routine! Nutrition and exercise often go together as crucial components of fitness, so be sure to seek out a well-balanced diet to supplement your active lifestyle during your travels.

Whether or not you use our 3 ways to stay fit while traveling, we still hope you celebrate each day with health and happiness!

How do you stay fit while traveling? Have you gone to certain hotels just because of the fitness amenities? I would love to hear your thoughts.