Whilst donning a rucksack and waving goodbye to the UK for a few months might be one of the best decisions you ever make, the bikini bod which took months of pre-flight work to achieve is likely to suffer.
Carrying your life in one heavy bag is a bit of a workout in itself, and in blazing 30 degree heat that can be all you feel like doing. But, after a little while of eating out of sorts and not doing all that much, you’re likely to feel the effects.
For the fitness fanatics amongst us, maintaining a certain regime is super important, so we racked our brains for our top five fitness tips that’ll keep you healthy wherever you are.
Pack a Helping Hand
Of course, packing weights is not advised: airport check in is unlikely to go as smoothly as planned, and there’s plenty of other essentials which should be prioritised over a kettle bell. That’s not to say other fitness equipment can’t be packed away for a rainy day, though. Just be savvy with what you do take.
We’d recommend a skipping rope: reminiscent of your playground days, but seriously good for you. Find a quiet spot before the heat hits in the morning and skip for as long as you can. Even as little as 5 minutes a day is a cardio blast that’ll work wonders, especially if you get the hang of double unders (passing the skipping rope under your feet twice whilst you’re in the air).
Get Appy
Granted, common holiday consensus is that your phone should take a little bit of a back seat (much can be said from disconnecting yourself from the real world, dontcha know). That said, your little Apple bestie can be great for one thing: fitness apps. If you’re not a big user back at home then you definitely will be from overseas. They remind you to work out regularly and often provide routines which don’t require much space or equipment. Hostel room and suitcase friendly.
Our favourites include Seconds Interval Timer HIIT for freedom to tailor your workout, and Cody to maintain your structural health through Pilates and yoga workouts.
Find a Local Class
If you’re in one place for a longer period of time, then finding a fitness class is a great way to meet people and burn off some of those delicious local meals you’ve been indulging in. One of our favourites is Bali Fitness in Seminyak, Bali. A spacious gym just outside the main centre famed for their Les Mills body pump, body combat and core strengthening classes. They also have a variety of spin classes, like one in the dark to rock and roll. Perfect post beach refresher? We think so. You’ll be whipped back into shape in no time.
If you’re after something a little less strenuous, Asian countries are big on their yoga, so find a class like Sunset Beach Yoga on Gili Trawagan, Indonesia, to work out and strengthen with a view. How about tying a retreat into your travels? We love Absolute Sanctuary in Koh Samui and Brazil’s Butterfly House for a longer stay and complete experience.
Go Trekking
A bit of a no brainier, really: the activities you choose to do when you’re away can really make or break your level of fitness. Going on hikes and treks is a great way to see the sights of your chosen country whilst also being uber healthy, so sack off the beach a couple of days a week and head up into the hills.
Off to Indonesia? Ubud’s Mount Batur and Mount Agung treks are well worth the sweat, especially if you make it to the summit for sunrise. Vietnam’s Sapa has some great walks through rice paddies, whilst New Zealand is a backpacker destination adorned with beaten tracks (work your way up to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – it’s a tough one).
Avoid Too Much Sugar
Last but not least is a diet based one. Travelling is tough on the wallet, and when you’re watching your pennies the cheapest things to eat midday are often crisps and biscuits: especially in Asia where supermarkets with fresh produce are few and far between. The problem with this is it’ll leave you feeling lethargic: try embracing the Asian specialities of saffron rice or noodles and egg for breakfast. You’ll be set up for the day and a lunch of fresh fruit will be all you’ll need.