One of the most challenging parts of long-term travel is trying to stay in shape. Fitness has been a consistent part of my life ever since I can remember. While studying abroad and backpacking, I struggled without having a fitness routine. Over time, I have found the best ways to keep up my fitness routine and stay in shape while traveling long term!
Contents:
- Use ClassPass to Stay in Shape While Traveling Long Term
- Pack Resistance Bands
- Pack a Hot Yoga Towel
- Go on a Walk, Run, or Hike to Stay in Shape While Traveling Long Term
- Try Local Yoga Classes or Other Fitness Activities
- Check Out The Sculpt You Fitness Plan
- Best Gym Membership to Stay in Shape While Traveling Long Term
- Links
Use Class Pass to Stay in Shape While Traveling Long Term
I recently became a Class Pass member. It has changed my fitness game! Class Pass has classes available in over 2500 cities worldwide. No matter where you travel, you can search nearby studios on Class Pass and take a fitness class!
Instead of paying per class, you purchase credits and then use credits to sign up for classes. The studio can set the price of their classes, and some studios even have classes as cheap as one credit. That’s only around $2 for the class!
Instead of getting a membership at a fitness studio, I now use Class Pass as my primary fitness class membership because I love how I can do boxing, yoga, and dance classes all on the same membership!
Click here for a two-week free trial with Class Pass, and receive 20 extra credits!
Although Class Pass has multiple locations, make sure that you double-check that they offer classes in the country that you are traveling in. If you are traveling around the United States in a populated area, you should be good to go with classes!
Pack Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a great way to elevate the typical bodyweight workout with some extra resistance. Even better, they are easy to pack, which is ideal when constantly moving around. You can use resistance bands in all different workouts, including squats, pushups, or anything else you can think of!
There are three different types that I use and recommend:
1. Rubber Loop Resistance Bands
These resistance bands are a full circle that you can put around your legs, arms, etc. They are so small and barely weigh anything, making them super packable. These do bother some people as they can roll and stick to sweat. However, I use them with leggings, and I never have a problem! Click here to check out this five-pack from Amazon!
2. Anti-Slip Loop Resistance Bands
These resistance bands are great if you don’t like the rubber material. They do the same thing but are a more heavy-duty, anti-slip fabric. Click here to check out this three-pack from Amazon. This pack is under $10 and is the perfect option for travelers!
3. Non-Loop Rubber Resistance Bands
These resistance bands are similar to the rubber loop resistance bands but aren’t in a circle. These are great for workouts such as bicep curls, stretching, etc. You can even tie them together to use them the same way you use the loop bands. I recommend this three-pack from Amazon because you can select different lengths for the resistance bands, and they come in a pouch that is perfect for staying organized while traveling!
Any of these bands are great options as they are lightweight and super packable. Click here to check out other brands and options for similar products!
Pack a Hot Yoga Towel
I have seen backpackers carrying entire yoga mats clipped to their backpacks. You won’t catch me lugging around a yoga mat. As a yoga lover, I always attempt to do yoga in my hostel/hotel room or anywhere I can find space. However, without a yoga mat, I often find myself slipping.
After attending a hot yoga class with my Class Pass membership, I realized that there was an alternative to a yoga mat which was much more packable.
You can use hot yoga towels instead of yoga mats. These are great if you want to do yoga in your hotel/hostel, in a park, or even on the beach! They are made of microfiber and are much easier to pack. They also can double as a regular towel if you are in a pinch.
Hot yoga towels are also perfect for travel because you can throw them in the wash with your laundry, making them much easier to clean than a traditional yoga mat.
I recommend this anti-slip hot yoga towel from Amazon. Click here to check it out!
Click this link to check out other similar options!
Go on a Walk, Run, or Hike to Stay in Shape While Traveling Long Term
You probably walk much more than you regularly do when traveling because you are trying to see new sights. To add even more steps, go on a run or hike!
Running when traveling is a great way to feel like you are staying in shape! Running is also perfect because you don’t need any extra gear, just your comfortable running shoes.
Hiking is another great option because you can see breathtaking views while increasing your heart rate.
Always be mindful of your surroundings if you are in a new place.
Try Local Yoga Classes or Other Fitness Activities
Another great way to enjoy your destination while staying in shape is to check out an outdoor yoga class or even a fun activity like kayaking or rock climbing! You can find great activities at your destination on Viator and GetYourGuide. Try searching for “outdoor yoga” or “kayaking” at your destination and see what fun things you can find!
Check Out The Sculpt You Fitness Plan
I have been following the Sculpt You Fitness Plan for the past five years and I am obsessed. Since I joined, the plan has developed so much.
Every week there are twelve new workouts posted that target different muscles. Six of the workouts are at the gym, and six are at-home. The at home workouts are great for travelers who don’t have access to the gym. I followed the at home workout plan daily during quarantine and saw such a difference in my body.
Like any workout, the results are what you put into it, but if you struggle with planning workouts or are thrown off without your gym equipment, these workouts are a great guide. On top of workouts, you receive daily journal prompts, daily meal plans, a personalized mental health section, and a period tracker.
In addition to the daily workouts, there are dance videos, yoga videos, and cardio/core workouts that use no equipment. and you can do these anywhere! The Sculpt You has been my favorite travel resource for as long as I can remember!
For everything offered, this program is a steal for only $9 a month.
Best Gym Membership to Stay in Shape While Traveling Long Term
I have tried a variety of gyms during my fitness journey. However, as a traveler, nothing compares to Anytime Fitness. Not only is Anytime Fitness open 24/7, but they also have locations in over 29 countries.
This isn’t going to be available if you travel to more obscure destinations, but if you need a gym to get your workout in and you’re backpacking through Europe or somewhere with cities, this gym is a great option for you! You buy one membership and receive a key that works at any of the gyms.
Check out the full list of gym locations here.
Links
The most important thing to remember is to be gentle with yourself when traveling. It’s common to lose your regular routines because you are trying to experience the amazing place you are in. If you are going on a short trip, don’t feel pressure to keep up your fitness routine. You will not lose all of your progress in a week.
If want to stay in shape while traveling long term or studying abroad, these options are great when you have more time for a consistent routine.
Here are all the mentioned products and membership trials:
- Class Pass: two week free-trial with 20 bonus credits
- Rubber loop resistance bands
- Anti-slip loop resistance bands
- Non loop rubber resistance bands
- More resistance band options
- Hot yoga towel
- Other hot yoga towel options
- Viator
- GetYourGuide
- The Sculpt You
- Anytime Fitness
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