Once upon a time keeping up with a fitness routine while traveling was a daunting task. Now, there are plenty of resources available to support you, and I have a few tips and tricks to keep you feeling great on your trip.

Maybe you are traveling to a new destination and will be walking a lot while touring new places. Or maybe you are going to your favorite family vacation spot where you hope to catch up with some summer reading.

Either way, moving your body regularly and keeping up your routine can help you feel great during your trip. You will also ensure that you don’t come home feeling like you lost some strength and mobility while away.

Tips for Staying Fit While Traveling

There are a few things to think about when planning your trip to keep your body feeling its best. Keeping your body mobile, which means limber, without stiffness, will go a long way toward ensuring that you can enjoy the activities of your trip. Here are some tips for planning your workouts on the go.

#1: Carve Out Exercise Time

Think about what you will be doing on your trip so you can carve out the time you’ll need for movement and exercise. How much time can you spend each day and at what time of the day will you be able to do this? It will look much different if you are on an organized tour than if you are at a cottage on your own.

#2: Use Your Time Well

Do you have time for a “real” workout? If you are traveling for any length of time and have 20 minutes or more each day to yourself, you can actually do some exercises that will keep you strong and feeling great.

Be realistic though. You don’t want to miss the opportunities unique to travel, like seeing special people or places. Your trip might have lots of walking or playing involved in it already. Perhaps you just need to be sure you are stretching and keeping your spine mobile to support your daily walking.

#3: Where Will You Exercise?

Are you staying in hotels with workout rooms? Can you do your exercise outdoors in nature? If your space is limited, be sure you have enough room around you to move and that there are no hazards you could trip on.

#4: Add in Extra Spinal Movement

Think about whether you will be flying or driving for long periods of time. If so, you want to be sure to add in some extra spinal movement and hip mobility exercises to avoid soreness that can come from sitting too much.

Travel Workouts

Once you evaluate the when and where of a travel exercise routine, figuring out how you will exercise is the next step. With internet access you can do virtually (pun intended!) anything you want. Online fitness options – both on demand workouts and livestream classes – are widely available.

You don’t need to have any fancy equipment or props taking up space in your suitcase. Use a beach towel instead of a mat and water bottles as hand weights. That book you brought along to read on your trip can make a great substitute yoga block.

Therabands are my favorite simple tools that travel well and can help you with any level of training. They come in different resistance levels and can be used for simple mobility exercises, strength training, and everything in between.

I travel with a small plastic bag filled with a variety of different resistance bands. Any reusable plastic bag is a great way to store the bands, so they won’t dry out. I love that I can do my arm and shoulder exercises and stretch my legs out with them. I also use the bands during my favorite livestream fascial movement class or for short YouTube classes like the one linked above.

Taking livestream classes that I cannot normally attend during my busy week is one of my favorite parts of my summer vacation. I actually use my vacation time to enjoy more training than usual. In addition to the classes I take, I get to walk, stand up paddleboard and enjoy time on Lake Michigan with my family.

On Demand Workouts

Working out when you want and where you want is the advantage of an on demand workout. Particularly when you’re on the road! You’ll find on demand classes available in a variety of places from the internet to cable TV and even social media sites.

On demand classes are pre-recorded, allowing you to access them any time you want and as often as you want. Think about how much time you have available and what type of exercise you’re looking for. A quick Google search will yield plenty of options to get you moving.

You’ll find a variety of options, from free, shorter video clips to full-length classes available for purchase. Some providers offer a subscription to a catalog of classes, while others allow you to purchase or rent a single class recording.

Your local gym or fitness studio may have their own library of on demand workout options. For example, my studio, MOVE Wellness, has both a free YouTube channel and classes available for purchase through MOVE On Demand.

Here’s a tip: don’t be afraid to mix and match shorter workout videos to customize your own full workout.

Livestream Classes

Are you the type of person that is better off sticking to a schedule? Livestream fitness classes are taught on a set day and time to a live audience who tunes in to follow along. Some people benefit by continuing their regular routines away from home and having a scheduled time to exercise.

Since livestream classes are not pre-recorded, you will be treated to different class content each time you sign in. The value is that the trainer is right there and available for questions and corrections if desired. You can usually choose to pay for one class at a time or sign up for a monthly membership.

Find Your Favorite Travel Workouts Online

There are more online options available than ever before to keep you on track with your fitness routine. You can even find short workouts when scrolling your Instagram or Facebook feed. I hope you’ll take your workout wherever your summer takes you.

Please enjoy a free trial of livestream classes with MOVE Wellness and keep moving all summer long.

What happens with your fitness routine while you’re traveling? Do you abandon everything to go back to it upon your return? Or have you found a work out service that helps you stay in shape while away from home?