Many people pause their fitness routines when they go on vacation. But if you incorporate fitness into your travel, you’ll avoid gaining unwanted pounds and come back feeling more refreshed and energized than ever before.
That said, how do you pack for your very first fitness adventure? Here are the basics, which hold true regardless of your destination.
Accessories
First off, list down the kinds of activities you’ve got planned on your vacation. Are you going surfing? Practicing yoga? Or something winter-related perhaps, like snowboarding? That will help you come up with a list of accessories that you need to bring like a pair of sunglasses, GPS watch, hydration vest, or a portable yoga mat. Exercise/yoga mats are actually listed here on Swell Women as an essential accessory for beginners. Not only will you be able to practice yoga, you can also do your body weight exercises on them.
Footwear
Are you a runner? A hiker? A diver? A rock climber?
Shoes can take up a lot of space in your luggage so it’s best to bring a pair that can be used for more than one type of activity. For instance, some running shoes are made to withstand different types of terrain. Check whether you can rent specialized shoes in the area for things like snowboarding or rock climbing, before over-packing your luggage and getting carried away.
Portable Workout Equipment
Some far-flung destinations might not have well-equipped gyms so why not bring your portable workout space? Vagrants of the World lists travel-sized exercise equipment that can help with your daily workouts. It includes a skipping rope, resistance bands, and suspension trainers. They’re easy to pack and allow you to do a lot with very little from cardio to strength training.
Workout Clothes
Always bring multi-purpose clothes and layer as needed. For places with a hot climate, paring down to a sports bra and a pair of leggings will do the trick whether you’re climbing crags, zipping through roads on four wheels, or exploring on your own two feet.
If you’re venturing to somewhere cold that’s when you need to put on more insulation. For instance, hiking up high altitudes will require you to wear a base layer and thermals. On Woman Within they feature a packable puffer jacket that is lightweight yet effective in protecting you from the cold. It’s best to go with clothing that can fit in your backpack because the added weight can make your adventure more difficult than it needs to be.
Sunscreen
Many people forget to pack sunscreen but it’s one of the most important things you need for your travel. Be conscious of the type you’re going to bring especially if you’re taking a dip in the ocean. Chasing Coral warns that some brands contain chemicals that are harmful to coral reefs. Oxybenzone and octinoxate in particular have been banned in places like Hawaii as they have been linked to bleaching. So look for some reef-safe sunscreen!
Supplements
The case for supplements is still being debated, but many swear by their benefits. Expert Michael Ormsbee noted that creatine is one of those substances that can enhance your workout. But it’s important that you’re putting in enough work before you actually consider taking supplements. On your travels, it’s still best to eat healthy without relying too much on supplements.
Journal
Lastly, keeping a journal is a great way to keep track of your workouts and your meals as well. You can have a physical journal or simply create a note on your phone so you can still monitor your routine and your progress.
Of course, you can also use it to record the wonderful things that you see on your travels, especially if you’re going off the beaten path. In a previous post, we highlighted the salt flats in Nicaragua, a landscape that was subtly illuminated by the sunset. Needless to say, it’s among the places that you can describe in a poetic manner!
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