7 Workouts You Can Do While Traveling

According to one news station (kxii.com), losing weight is the most commonly made New Year’s resolution. Reportedly 70 percent of Americans have made a resolution to lose weight. Another site’s (Cleavland.com) research shows that 60 percent of gym memberships purchased for the New Year will no longer be used by February. Most New Year’s resolutions to lose weight fail, but there are ways to stay on track.

Photo Credit: Joshua Rappeneker - Flickr

One of the biggest hurdles people face when losing weight is traveling. Being away from home, the local gym and your favorite jogging route make it difficult to work out, and bringing free weights on a trip is usually impractical. However, there are ways to work out while traveling. Here are seven practical exercises.

1. Go Jogging

Ask the locals, your server, the hotel staff or anyone you meet, where a good place to go jogging is. This is one of the easiest exercises to do, since the only equipment needed is a pair of sneakers. Just be sure to take any necessary safety precautions.

2. Enjoy the Water

Many travelers will find themselves near water. This may be the hotel’s pool, a nearby lake or river, or the ocean. No matter how small or large the body of water is, go enjoy it. Swim laps in the pool. If you’re near the ocean with some free time, why not try snorkeling or surfing?

3. Enjoy Your Favorite Sport

Playing a round of golf or tennis match at a local course or court is a fun way to enjoy the local community. You can get some exercise, enjoy your favorite game and spend time with whoever else is on the trip.

4. Go Shopping

Yes, shopping can be good for your health. Go shopping at a local mall, and while you are there walk briskly through the mall. If you were to walk the perimeter of Carousel Mall, in Syracuse, NY, you would cover 1.75 miles. This is all indoors, so it is a great way to exercise in poor weather, such as snowy Syracuse. Mall walkers usually go earlier in the morning, so crowds do not impede their efforts, and be sure not to replace your burnt calories with unhealthy food from the food court.

5. Jump Rope

Jumping rope can be done anywhere; all that is required is a jump rope. While exercising your cardiovascular system, this will also help increase coordination. In addition to regular jumps, try skips and one-footed jumps.

6. Go Hiking

No matter where you are headed, there are bound to be hiking trails nearby. They may be up the Rocky Mountains or through a county park. Head outdoors and enjoy the local fauna and wildlife, while on a hike.

7. Stretch

When considering workouts, stretching is not usually the focus. If people stretch, it is typically for only a few minutes during warm up or while cooling down. However, stretching is a vital aspect of being fit. It only becomes more important when traveling. Riding on an airplane or in a car is uncomfortable. Hotel beds often make backs sore in the morning. The best way to care for your muscles while traveling is by stretching.

Many people began the New Year with great aspirations of becoming fit. One of the biggest obstacles to meeting your fitness goals will be travel. Sometime, you will leave town and be away from your equipment and routine. These seven exercises can help you stay on track while away.

Author Bio: Jason S. writes for Iron Science, a manufacturer of quality nutrition supplements such as whey protein and creatine monohydrate.