Staying healthy while traveling has been a struggle of mine, and I know it can be struggle for many. When we launched into full-time traveling, it was a different kind of challenge.
I found it hard to keep up an exercise routine or find a way to stay fit that worked.
Working out while traveling can be a challenge. From RV traveling or camping to Airbnb or hotel stays, travel workouts are harder to stick to without the consistency.
Thankfully, I’ve learned of some recommendations and tips from fellow RVers and travelers that I want to share with you. Honestly, I think these could really work!
If you’re looking for ideas on how to stay fit while you’re on your next vacation, taking a summer to RV the states, or world traveling for a year, then keep reading.
Keep A Fitness App Or Program
Create your fitness travel program by using a fitness app. That way, you can keep your travel workout routine going no matter where you are.
Here are a few of the top rated apps that I learned about from travelers like you.
1. Mommastrong
Mommastrong is another strong candidate for the greatest fitness app for women. Unlike other apps, this one focuses on mothers and mothers-to-be.
They have 4 programs: Momma-To-Be, Hazy Days, New Momma, and Momma. They also address your current state of mind and body, isn’t that amazing?
The videos are easy to follow and won’t demand much of your time since they run for only 15 minutes or less. Perfect for busy moms that don’t have much time to spare!
Membership is fairly inexpensive and you can sign up on their page when you’re ready.
2. Toneitup_app
Tone It Up is a popular exercising application for the fitness community for women. This application contains workout tutorials, programs, and even diet suggestions.
They have hundreds of videos you can choose from, some of which are featuring sports.
If you’re the type who finds it hard to start without someone joining you, they have live sessions where you can see the trainers and other members of the community.
Learn more details on how you can be a member through the Tone It Up website.
3. FitOn
If you’re looking for a FREE fitness app, try FitOn. They have a variety of workout videos and even feature celebrity trainers sometimes.
FitOn also tailors the workout routines and schedules based on what YOUR goal is.
If you just started exercising and you’re worried about your lack of equipment, then this might be perfect for you. Equipment is not needed.
4. Street Parking
Street Parking is an app tailored to helping those who want to achieve a fit body with minimal equipment and little time.
Subscription is a bit pricey in comparison to the previous apps mentioned but it might be worth it if we consider the amount of content you can access once you’re a member.
They have different programs available for their members’ different set-ups. They even have five coaches you can choose from to guide you on your fitness journey.
So if you’re VERY serious about starting your fitness routine, consider signing up for Street Parking.
5. Fitness Blender
Another free option is signing up at Fitness Blender.
They also offer various workout videos, programs, and meal plans (they even include healthy recipes on their website).
Despite being free, you can access more by paying a small fee and signing up to FB Plus. Here, they provide additional stuff like statistics for your activities, custom workout trackers, and a progress tracker.
I’ve tried their free videos on their website and found them pretty good.
6. Pop Sugar Fitness
Pop Sugar is a page that features many subtopics, one of them being Pop Sugar Fitness. It may not be an app but it’s another option to consider to keep up an exercise routine while traveling.
They have articles for almost any problem you have and they have videos that you can also access on Youtube. Of course, the best part is it’s free.
How To Stay Healthy While Traveling?
If you don’t have the budget to subscribe to programs, you might surprise yourself with daily traveling activities you are already doing. Along with choosing healthy food options, these activities can help you stay fit on travel days.
7. Hiking
Hiking is very popular for campers and RV travelers. If you have plans to visit National Parks then hiking is a great way to move your body and stay fit while traveling.
Hiking is a really good cardio exercise and one that I personally try to do when it fits into our travel plans. It feels like doing a cardio routine but for longer.
My personal struggle is that my kids are not always a huge fan of long hikes so I’m often left feeling like I could have gone further.
8. Yoga
Yoga has received so much interest these days. You can do it with your partner, alone, with your kids or without.
You’ll only need a mat and you’re ready. Or just a carpeted floor if you can find one in your hotel or Airbnb.
We’ve traveled with Yoga mats in our RV before. Yet, if you are traveling by plane you may want to check out this travel yoga mat that has great reviews.
There are intensity levels you can choose from so don’t be afraid to give it a try. Click here for some yoga poses that you can try while traveling.
I’ve even been known to get Tony to do some Yoga with the kids and I while visiting Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It can be hard traveling with diabetes, but yoga is a great exercise that can help.
9. Resistance bands
I noticed that more and more people are also showing interest in resistance bands.
If you don’t have the equipment and want to buy one that’s easy to bring with you, this one’s the right item.
Our friends Sandi and Jimi traveled all around Bali and Lombok, Indonesia with their resistance bands and even used them during layovers in the airports!
I think resistance bands are great workout tools that you can use to build muscles and bring anywhere.
10. Running
Never underestimate the basics. Running is still one of the best cardio workouts out there and helps with a healthy immune system.
It’s so common that people often forget how many benefits running has. I know this, yet due to a bad knee, I have to build up my running game each time I stop running consistently.
Running, or walking if you need to build up your cardio game, can help keep you healthy and active while traveling.
11. Surfing
Are you traveling to Bali anytime soon? Or are you off to Florida or Hawaii? Then here’s an idea for your fitness plan, go surfing.
Surfing is a tough sport and not everyone can do it. But there are helpful tips you should know before learning to surf.
Surfing is a great cardio workout and the fact that it get’s you in the ocean will help your mental health too.
My goal is to learn how to surf one day, but I have yet to try.
12. Doing planks
Traveling can be exhausting. Without noticing it, sleeping in different beds and eating different food can have negative effects on our bodies if we don’t take care of it.
One of the best solutions I’ve found is to exercise my core.
And how exactly do you do that? Well many things can help but I often do it by doing planks.
It reduces back pain which may be caused by sitting in an RV or airplane too long on travel days. A stronger core can also help improve your balance, relieve stress, and fit in your clothes better.
Of course, while you’re doing all of that, make sure you always have a bottled water with you to stay hydrated while you’re doing all these physical activities. Other tips you may want to include are:
- Making your own meals
- Eating raw fruits, especially those high in vitamin C and other nutrients
- Avoid eating junk food
- Choose drinking water than tap water and ice cubes
- Choose healthy fat meals, healthy snacks
- Build your healthy habits
- Always bring a first aid kit
How To Make The Time To Exercise
I think many of us who travel will often say that our biggest struggle to stay fit while traveling is to find the time and consistency to keep up with an exercise routine.
I’ve fallen into that so many times, it can be tough!
Honestly, as a behavior analyst by trade (with a Master’s Degree in Behavior Analysis and Therapy), I understand how important good habits can be. You need to behave consistently for a while before a habit forms.
Oh, and self-monitoring DOES work.
My advice to you is this.
Set a realistic goal such as ‘I will do cardio 30 minutes per day 3 days per week’. Then, find a way that you can reach that goal with your travel lifestyle or vacation plans ahead.
You could do something as simple as: Yoga on Mondays, running/walking on Wednesdays, then trying a new fitness video mentioned above or on YouTube on Fridays. All workouts will happen before 9am and I will record them in my journal.
The last step is to WRITE IT DOWN somewhere.
Create a journal, share it on Instagram, or start using one of the apps mentioned above and keep track there. If you’re afraid that you won’t follow through, then hire a coach or partner up with a friend to be your accountability partner.
You got this!
Traveling can sometimes make us feel that there isn’t enough time in a day. I get it, I do. But our health is important and making time to exercise and eat right should be a priority.
If you’ve been keeping track of your health and fitness, awesome. If you’re not, then let’s start together.
What about you? What are your favorite fitness apps and activities? Tell us below.