As a dance instructor, fitness is essential for me to maintain peak performance. But as a traveler, I don't want to sacrifice indulging in the local cuisine and culture. It can be challenging to balance both, especially when traveling involves hours of sitting and being sedentary.
One of my go-to strategies for staying fit while traveling is to resist the convenience and using Uber or Lyft everywhere and instead walk or even bike. Renting a bicycle has been my favorite way to get around lately, and it's a great way to explore a new place while getting some exercise.
When traveling, time management can be a challenge, especially when trying to fit in a workout. However, I have found that even short bursts of exercise throughout the week can make a big difference. Just like practicing dance choreography, you don't need to have lengthy workout sessions to stay in shape. Multiple short bursts of 5-10 minutes can be just as effective, and can easily fit into a busy travel schedule. So, whether it's a quick morning yoga flow or a 10-minute bodyweight circuit before bed, finding small pockets of time for exercise can help maintain fitness while on the go.
HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) workouts are perfect for travelers because they're quick and effective. Even if you don't have access to a gym, you can do bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and burpees in your hotel room or a nearby park. HIIT workouts favor short bursts of exercise, so you don't have to spend a lot of time working out, but you can still get great results. As a dance instructor, I love incorporating HIIT workouts into my own fitness routine and I even run weekly HIIT classes at the dance studio. They're a great way to get in shape and have fun with a group of like-minded people. If you're interested in joining, be sure to check out our class schedule!
Aside from staying active, it's equally important to watch what you eat while traveling to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Rather than indulging in large meals, I recommend trying smaller plates to taste different types of food. During my visit to Madrid, I couldn't resist trying tapas - small, delicious plates perfect for sampling a variety of dishes without overeating. Another trick is to do some research and plan your meals ahead of time. This way, you can make sure you're getting a balanced diet, and it can also help you avoid the temptation of unhealthy snacks. Additionally, staying hydrated is essential while traveling, as it helps regulate your metabolism and curb cravings. Drinking plenty of water will also help you avoid overeating.
In addition, if you find it difficult to incorporate exercise into your travel schedule, try to incorporate it into your daily activities. Walk or bike instead of taking a cab or public transportation, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and try to explore the city by foot. And remember, staying active and eating healthily doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing approach. It's okay to indulge in some of the local cuisine and enjoy yourself. Just make sure to stay mindful of portion sizes and balance it out with some physical activity.
If you have any questions about staying fit while traveling, or if you have any requests for future tips, feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you and help you stay on track with your fitness goals while still having an amazing travel experience.