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Home » Travel Health & Insurance

How to Maintain Your Fitness Routine While Traveling

Modified: Apr 8, 2025 · Published: Feb 7, 2023 by Joyline Maenzanise |

Traveling can be fun, but it can also be tiring. Whether you're traveling for work or pleasure, exercise is essential. But when you're constantly on the go and moving around, finding the time to work out can be challenging. Here are some ways to make exercise a habit to maintain your fitness routine while traveling. 

Man running to maintain his fitness routine while traveling (photo: Jenny Hill)
Man running (photo: Jenny Hill)

Table of Contents

  • Travel Fitness Tips
    • Do Your Research
    • Use the Mornings to Exercise
    • No Nearby Gym? Exercise in Your Room
    • Use the Stairs
    • Take Walks 
    • Get Enough Sleep
    • Have a Healthy Breakfast
    • Stay Hydrated
    • Do the Intense Workouts Before Your Trip
  • Takeaway

Travel Fitness Tips

Do Your Research

Before taking your trip, find out if your accommodation has gym facilities or if there is a nearby gym you can easily access. You can use Google or ask management at the hostel or hotel where you plan to stay. 

Use the Mornings to Exercise

Whether your trip is for business or pleasure, you'll likely get too busy during the day. Schedule some time in the morning to exercise at the gym or in your room. 

No Nearby Gym? Exercise in Your Room

You can do various "on-the-go" exercises in your room, requiring little equipment.

These include:

  • Push-ups
  • Jump squats
  • Lunges
  • Burpees 
  • Mountain climbers

Use the Stairs

Pick the stairs whenever you have to choose between taking an elevator or using the stairs. Unless, of course, you have a medical reason not to. 

Taking the stairs can strengthen your leg muscles and bones and improve cardiovascular health. It is also an excellent way to burn calories and lose fat. 

Take Walks 

If you must choose between transportation and walking to get around, walk. You'll burn some calories and tone your muscles while exploring that part of the world. 

Get Enough Sleep

You'll likely get little sleep as you get busy doing as much as you can with your limited time. So make sure to get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep. 

Getting enough sleep helps your body recover from the day's activities, so you're refreshed and ready for more exercises and everything else on your itinerary. 

Have a Healthy Breakfast

Breakfast is the first meal of the day. It gives your body and brain the energy they need for the day's activities. 

Oatmeal in Bali (photo: Alexandra Andersson)
Oatmeal in Bali (photo: Alexandra Andersson)

Stay Hydrated

Drink lots of water so you have enough fluids in your body, as it replaces water and electrolytes lost when you sweat. It prevents muscle fatigue and helps you recover after exercising. 

Do the Intense Workouts Before Your Trip

Spend more time on exercises that require more equipment while at home. This is particularly important if there isn't a (well-equipped) gym where you're going.

You'll be able to focus on workouts you can do anywhere without needing much equipment. Here are some more of those exercises. 

Takeaway

Maintaining your fitness routine while traveling can be challenging, but with some planning and effort, it's not impossible. These tips will help you stick to your routine while away from home. All it takes is some discipline and a little motivation. Good luck, and have fun!

______

This story is brought to you in partnership with Kickoff.

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Dave at Ahu Ko Te Riku on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile.

Hi, I'm Dave

Editor in Chief

I've been writing about adventure travel on Go Backpacking since 2007. I've visited 68 countries.

Read more about Dave.

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