Staying fit while you travel is possible with minimal preparation. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, there are easy ways to incorporate exercise into your day to maintain your fitness level. Travel doesn't have to be a reason to get out of shape and/or gain weight. Traveling can even be an opportunity to enjoy more physical activity than you normally would in the workplace or the gym.
If you're vacationing, you can effortlessly stay fit by including walking into your sightseeing plans. You can create your own walking vacation by following clearly-marked trails in national parks and forests. Walk as much as possible while sightseeing in cities and towns. Many people are discovering the appeal of touring a destination by foot or bicycle. Walking or bicycling allows the opportunity to enjoy many details, sights, and smells, otherwise missed by driving. At the same time, you're enjoying the reward of exercise - an unbeatable combination. If you prefer to walk or bicycle with a group, tour outfitters have organized walking and cycling tours around the globe. They supply all the basics and perks, offering tour guides, lodging, and options for shorter or longer walks or bicycle trips. Some people may enjoy even more adventurous activities while vacationing such as whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and horseback riding.
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, here's some easy tips to stay fit:
1. Plane travel-
While waiting at the airport, stand or walk as much as possible. When on the plane, take frequent walking breaks around the plane. Do simple stretches in your seat. Some airlines include yoga instruction for in-flight travel.
2. Car travel-
Bring only water and nutritious, low-calorie snacks with you in the car such as fresh fruit and cut raw vegetables. When you stop for a break, stretch and walk as much as possible. Eat a light, nutritious meal to hold you until you reach your final destination.
3. Staying in a hotel-
Walk around the hotel and take the stairs whenever possible. Take advantage of the hotel's fitness facilities if available, such as the pool or weight room. Some hotels offer exercise videos and workouts with fitness trainers. Bring your own fitness equipment such as walking or running shoes, a jump rope, and an exercise band.
4. Eating out-
Make healthy food choices by looking over the restaurant menu and deciding which dishes are healthiest. Avoid cream-based dishes and fried foods. Instead, enjoy grilled, barbequed or roasted meats, chicken, or fish, whole grains (such as brown rice or whole wheat pasta) and lots of fresh vegetables.
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on September 8, 2006 02:48 PM
