How to Make Fitness and Health a Priority While Traveling Wendy Altschuler - Forbes
go to original March 1, 2022

It’s a little too easy to throw in the towel when traveling and completely abandon any shred of heathy eating or exercise habits we try to maintain while on known soil. After all, a big part of immersing yourself into a different culture or a new-to-you destination is indulging in the food. We often eat and drink like it will be our last meal while on vacation. Who knows when you’ll be back, right? Being away from our routines, and the ease of home, doesn’t mean our wellbeing has to take a long walk off a short pier.

Whether you’re planning a beach vacation, an adventurous romp in the mountains, or a trip abroad, you can easily eat well and move your body. Here are suggestions and tips for staying healthy and fit while traveling.

At the Airport

A wee bit of preparation goes far when it comes to your health in airports. Many food items are, in fact, allowed through security. Check TSA for what you can bring on the airplane to avoid unhealthy eating while in transit. You can even snap a photo and ask if a certain item is permitted via messenger on Facebook and Twitter for items that aren’t listed on the website.

Consider packing resistance bands, a jump rope, and a bottle for water in your carry-on so you can move about the airport and get your blood pumping. You can also use the airport chairs to do some elbow bends and leg stretches.

Tip: Pull up the airport map on your device and locate restaurants that offer wholesome options. Coffee shops often offer salads, smoothies, or protein packs as well. Hydration and sleep are obviously important as well.

Move It

Taking the opportunity to get extra steps in while traveling is always a good idea. Take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator, park your rental car a little further from the front door, move your limbs and stretch while stuck sitting, consider walking or biking instead of using a ride share or taxi, and get your body moving wherever possible. You might even consider paying for a day pass at a gym while traveling to a new city.

Tip: Consider downloading a fitness app that you can use while away from home. You’ll be led through a routine that you can do without any workout equipment, which is ideal for time spent in accommodations without a gym or when you want to get sweaty no matter what time of day or night.

Use Nature as Your Gym

Get out and explore nature while on vacation. Find a local park to enjoy a nature-filled stroll, go for a jog on a nearby running path, swim laps while at the beach, or hike through the woods. Many hotels also offer outdoor fitness programs, personal training sessions, or yoga.

Tip: The concierge or front desk staff at hotels can recommend a safe and interesting place to go.

Read the rest at Forbes

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