Healthy Hacks: Staying Active While Travelling
Healthy Hacks: Staying Active while Travelling
Staying active while traveling for work or pleasure can seem like a real chore but if you use some simple hacks it can not only be “fun” but also a great way to explore a new city.
- Before you go:
- Insta Famous
Start following local fitness bloggers on Instagram or other platforms that are based out of your trip location a few weeks before you go. They’ll give you an inside look at local hot spots and special events that might be happening while you are in town.
- Staying at an Airbnb or renting privately?
Touch base with the owners and see if they have any recommendations of local fitness activities. Often, they have connections that can get your discounts at the local bike rental shops or can send you great trail maps. They will also be able to give you an idea about safety considerations in the area.
- Hit the Club
Are you a runner? Cyclist? Swimmer? Google local run (or bike etc) groups and shoot the coordinator a message. Generally, groups are super happy to welcome a visitor and it’s a quick way to connect with locals who can give you tips on other things like where to find the best post workout taco and beers. It’s where I have met many people who I’ve later reconnected with at future races.
- When you arrive:
- Scope out your hotel’s fitness facility.
Most hotels now offer a fitness facility and some like The Westin offer free workout clothing and shoes to borrow during your stay and/ or free classes.
The Westin: https://westin.marriott.com
- Switch your ClassPass to your current location.
Yes, you heard me right, your ClassPass follows you as you go (to most places). Go to your homepage and switch your city to find the map of locations near you. Type in the time/ type/ location parameters that work for you whether you want to get in a quick sweat before a meeting or find a yoga class around noon after a morning spent lounging in your hotel robe.
*If you don’t have ClassPass but are a member of a gym or fitness center at home ask before you go if they have any reciprocal clubs or facilities near where you will be staying.
ClassPass: https://classpass.com
- Park Run
The newest craze to hit our streets … I mean parks. A free timed 5km at parks in over 20 countries, and 5 continents across the world. This Saturday morning event has been gaining popularity and is a sure-fire way to earn your brunch.
Park Run: https://www.parkrun.com
- First time’s free!
Most studios have some type of introductory deal you can get in on. Never tried boxing? Maybe this is your time to shine and shake up the routine and try something outside of your comfort zone.
- Strava / MapMyRun
Want to explore on two feet/ wheels but don’t see any obvious routes (Stanley Park Seawall, Central Park, lakeside trails etc)? Use these apps to search your area and find routes other people have done. They often give a description and you can load them onto your phone or watch so that you can refer to them even without data. This is my favorite way to see a new city. I’m an early bird and love to get out onto the streets when it’s less busy and get a feel for where I am. I often pick out stores or restaurants that I want to come back to and visit later in the day. I find it also helps give me a sense of direction as I explore later on in the day.
Strava: https://www.strava.com
MapMyRun: https://www.mapmyrun.com
Have fun exploring!
