How to Get in a Workout While Traveling This Summer

How to Get in a Workout While Traveling This Summer

By: Ashley Martens

The summer season is all about time spent in the great outdoors taking in Mother Nature’s beauty, which sometimes includes an occasional road trip, whether it be a day trip to a nearby state park, a long weekend away to camp or hike, or perhaps a week-long adventure to visit a national park across the country, the summer season beckons. Many travelers hit the open road or head to the airport for a flight. (Did someone make a road trip playlist?)

With all that sitting and traveling to get to your summertime destination, how do you stay active and exercise with some sort of daily movement? Here are ten tips to help you work out while traveling this summer or any time of the year.

#1 Access an Online Workout

Nowadays, there are so many workouts available online. You can access many at-home workouts from fitness channels on YouTube to other fitness brand websites. The best part is that many of these options are free, so whether you stay with family or friends or post up at a hotel solo, you can access a workout anywhere your summertime adventures take you.

#2 Check Out the Community Center or Local Park District

When you arrive at your vacation spot, check out the community center or local park district website and all of their social media channels. During the summer season, when the weather is nice, many communities or park districts offer complimentary classes in local parks. The same can be said for hotels or resorts. Think of HIIT, mat pilates, sunrise yoga, or Tai Chi classes. Many local yoga studios do this as well, so do some research and see what you find in the area. If you are staying at a hotel, ask the concierge or front desk.

#3 Engage Your Muscles

Whether you are playing co-pilot or are just another passenger, remember to engage your muscles while you sit in the car. Squeeze your abs, your glutes, or any other muscle you feel like focusing on, and keep those muscles working even when you are sitting. String together a flow of a few different muscles and hold them each for 30-45 seconds. Not only will you be building a stronger body-mind connection, but you will also help increase overall muscle strength and tone.

#4 Get Creative

Whether you walk the airport terminal or perform a set of body weight lunges or squats while you stop to fill up on gasoline, make time for some movement. Once you arrive at your hotel, do some light stretching or simple yoga poses. Better yet, hit the hotel gym or swim some laps at the pool.

#5 Go for a Hike, Run, or Walk

Another super simple way to stay active while you are traveling this summer is to lace up those running or walking shoes and hit the trails. Plan a hike, go for a run, or take a walk around the community and check out the local spots. You never know what else you may discover along the way. You could stumble upon a new boutique fitness studio with a class you may want to try out during your out-of-town stay.

#6 Head Outside

If the hotel gym is under construction or a lap pool is not available, head outside for some fresh air and natural sunlight, which will be very inviting after a long day of travel spent sitting inside. Travel can leave many of us feeling cloudy and sometimes downright crummy, but something as simple as a short walk in Mother Nature can be deeply grounding, even if it is just around the block. Staying with family or friends? Ask if they want to join you or offer to take their dog for a walk if you prefer some furry friend companionship.

#7 Look for Classes Locally

Another way to stay active while you travel is to research local gyms and studios in the area you will be staying in. Some gyms offer a complimentary class for first-time visitors. Just be sure to call ahead and ask for specific details.

Although some studios are more than welcome to host out-of-towners, some facilities will only offer complimentary classes to local residents. If that is the case, ask about an out-of-town rate or any holiday specials. You never know what may be available to you unless you ask!

#8 Practice Proper Posture

If you find yourself embarking on a long flight or road trip,  take this time to practice proper posture. Whether you are driving or are a passenger, adjust the seat so you can sit up tall, roll your shoulders back, stretch out your neck and realign your posture to help strengthen your core muscles.

#9 Stretch

The hip flexors, low back, neck, and shoulders are the top spots that tend to tense up the most after spending a few hours driving and sitting in the car, so stretch it out. Try doing some chest openers and stretches for your neck. Clasp your hands behind your back and squeeze your shoulder blades together or drop one ear towards that shoulder to lengthen your neck on each side.

#10 Use Your Own Body Weight

Although working out at a gym is nice, who needs a gym when you have your own body weight? Get creative and see what you can develop by incorporating basic bodyweight moves like lunges, planks, push-ups, sit-ups, and squats.

When it comes to planning your next summertime road trip, do not dread sitting in a car or on a plane or train for a few hours or days. Instead, plan on staying active by breaking up your summertime road trip with these ten travel tips so you can still stay active and work out while traveling this summer or any time of the year.

If you need more summertime tips to help you prepare for the new season, check out these summertime meal prep tips, summer produce guide, and summer wellness hacks.

And don’t forget to visit the US Wellness Meats Blog for more amazing recipes, lifestyle tips, farm life, and much more!

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