Just because you are travelling doesn’t mean you have to let yourself go… or in my case, its a good reason to get back into shape (all that Oktoberfest Training I did back in Perth has started to take its toll).
 
 

Do It First Thing

Think of it as your morning meditation (exercise in the morning is more stimulating, and sustains you for longer). Clear your head before you start the day. Routines are important, even when travelling. Mixing in some physical activity 3 or 4 times a week, as well as all the walking you’re doing, and you should burn off those few beers and pizza slices in no time at all.
 
 

Go For A Run

The easiest form of exercise of course, is to go for a run. And why not use the opportunity to get your bearings, and explore your new surroundings?
 
Running is not the most effective cardio however, a better use of your 15–20 minutes a day would be a High Intensity Interval Training session (HIIT). If you haven’t heard of it, you can find more information here.
 
 

No Gym Required

Failing the time to get in some serious cardio, there are several exercises you can do given a small space, even in your hotel room. Click on the link to watch a YouTube video for each exercise (if you’re unsure what it is, or what the technique is).

• Jumping Jacks
• Mountain Climbers
• Burpees
• Walking Lunges
• Bootsrappers
• Squats, Pistol Squats, Jumping Squats
• Ab Bicycles
• Lateral Pushups, Feet Elevated Pushups
• Bench Dips
• Leg Raises
• Side Oblique Crunch
• Frog Jumps
• Duck Walk

The Hotel Room Workout

For more tips, check out this “Hotel Room workout” from Craig Ballantyne of Turbulence Training fame. 

Or, if you’d rather watch Zuzana from BodyRock.Tv 

 
 
I’ll be running, when I’m not hungover or in transit, and mixing in some HIIT sessions and bodyweight exercises a few times a week.
 
Follow me on twitter to make sure I actually stick with it.
 
And the hardest thing about maintaining an exercise regime while travelling? All the washing of the stinky gym clothes.
 
 
* flickr header image credit (cc) Daniele Sartori
 

Ian Cartwright

is a guy who gave up his career and mortgage for solo long-term travel. He travelled extensively across Europe for a year before heading onward to North Africa. He is now planning a trip to Latin America. As always there’s sure to be plenty of laughs, tears, and misadventures along the way.