Exercise Travel Tips

Alex Nataluk, BSc, CSEP-CEP, FMS I
Kinesiologist for Chronic Disease Management & Special Populations

Stay in Shape this Summer Wherever You Go

Your bags are packed and you’re ready to go! Whether your travel is for business or for pleasure it’s important to still remember to include regular exercise in your travel plans.

I’m sharing my top 10 exercise travel tips to keep your body moving while you’re away.

1. Pack a Set of Gym Clothes:
   Be prepared and avoid the excuse that you don’t have the proper clothes to work out in.
2. Pack Your Runners:
   You may not always have the luxury of having a hotel gym but a good pair of runners can take you outside to enjoy walks or runs around your travel destination.
3. Pick Active Excursions:
   Exercise is not just done in the gym! Find excursions that will get you moving but be mindful to stay within your limits. If travelling to a resort ask if they offer any free exercises classes like pool aerobics or yoga on the beach.
4. Take advantage of Wi-Fi:
   If exercise is relatively new to you going into the hotel gyms can be intimidating. Take advantage of the Wi-Fi and use your Wellness Fit app (free to members) to search for exercises that can be done with the equipment available.
5. Exercise Bands:
   You may not know what will be available to you for exercise equipment, so bring your own! Exercise bands are relatively inexpensive, travel well, take up no space in your carry-on, and weigh next to nothing. You can complete a full resistance workout with only a couple of resistance bands. See below for examples.
6. Use your Bodyweight:
   If all you have for equipment is staring back at you in the mirror that’s ok! See below for some examples of how you can use your own bodyweight to get a quick workout in or check-out our recent webinar, Building Resilience with Bodyweight Exercise.
7.  Get in the Water:
   Pick a hotel that has a pool or ocean access. Swimming is a great way to get your cardio in and if travelling to a resort, take the opportunity to try stand up paddle boarding, rent a kayak or go for a snorkel!
8. Schedule It In:
   You will be more successful in working out on your travels if you plan it in your day.
9. Stay Hydrated:
   Especially if travelling to a tropical location, be sure to drink plenty of water. When travelling, whether for business or for pleasure, you don't want to feel sluggish, tired or dizzy. Pack a water bottle so you can refill throughout the day. Many airports now have water bottle refill stations once you pass airport security.
10. Have Fun:
    Making sure to get your activity in while you’re away should not be stressful. Pick excursions, exercises and activities that you enjoy to do and do them often!