fitness

5 of the best travel exercise hacks

Image: Yes, it’s possible to stay fit on holiday

So you’re either planning a holiday or about to head off on one, lucky you! Already thinking about lazing by the pool, cocktail in hand? Already dreaming about sampling the local gelato/crepes/Babi Guling?

Unfortunately, if you spend 10 days with your butt planted firmly in a deck chair, shoveling fists full of hot chips in your gob, then you’ll probably come home feeling about as healthy as a Long Island Iced Tea.

But there is another way, read on for five of the best travel exercise hacks to keep you fit, healthy and happy. And don’t worry – none of them require any hotel gyms or complicated equipment.

1. Embrace the local workout

Wherever you are, put aside all reservations and try the local workout, even if you have no idea what you’re doing. It’ll be fun and work out a whole new set of muscles from what you’re used to. And if you’re terrible at it, it’ll make for a great story when you get home.

Take some inspiration from these celebrities who find ways to work out on holiday:

When in Hawaii… try surfing on Waikiki beach.

When in Scotland… go hiking on the world-famous hiking trails.

When in Queensland… embrace snorkelling.

When in Fiji… try sailing.

When in Byron Bay… go for stand-up paddle boarding.

When in Paris… go cycling around the city.

It doesn’t matter where you’re going – there will always be something to do. Recently, I visited a tiny town in the UK and did a high-ropes treetop adventure course that involved swinging through tyre swings and balancing on tree logs that were 14 metres off the ground. Out of the ordinary, but still an excellent arm and core workout.

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2. Walk absolutely everywhere

Not great with the local public transport? Not much money to spend on cabs? Excellent. Pick a sensible pair of shoes, and walk EVERYWHERE. It’ll save money and it’s a great way to see everything that a city or town has to offer.

Just don’t rush yourself. You’re on holiday, after all.

Best way to see your holiday destination? On foot

 

If you'd like an awesome sense of self-satisfaction after your day of walking, consider taking something like a Vivofit on your holiday - you can wear it on your wrist and it'll measure exactly how much exercise you're getting every day. The other day, mine told me that I took 15,000 steps during an afternoon of just shopping. EXCELLENT.

3. Got wifi? Get on Youtube

If you're lucky enough to have unlimited wifi at your destination, the Youtube world is your oyster. All you have to do to find a workout is start typing keywords into the search bar. But if you're not even sure where to begin, here are a few of my favourites, depending on what you're after...

- Keen for something hardcore? This Jillian Michaels video will kick your butt. No equipment required.

- Need to work your arms? Try this workout. Or specifically looking to work your abs and core? This one will help.

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- Short on time? Go for this 10 minute Michelle Bridges workout.

4. App it up

There are some very clever apps out there that mean you can manage a full-body workout without leaving your hotel room or getting out your laptop.

A yoga app could help you channel your inner Gisele.

 

Try:

- Map My Run - genius running routes for just about every city you could think of, broken down into length and altitude.

- Pocket Yoga - 27 different yoga workouts, one app.

- Gain Fitness - a personal trainer app that comes up with workout routines for you, depending on your goals and available equipment.

- Nike Training Club - a whole heap of workouts, right in your pocket.

5. Find a great eBook

There are so many great eBooks that can be loaded onto your iPhone or iPad, ready for travel. I'm currently obsessed with the Way of Gray ebooks - she's a Canadian personal trainer who has put together four different books with skipping or HIIT workouts that are absolutely epic. All you need is your own body.

Do you have any tips and tricks for exercising while on holiday?

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