It is easy for us to get into a routine of going to the gym, swimming in a pool and not using the environment around us.  Although it is convenient and we can’t always be outdoors playing, it is important for us to take the opportunities that nature gives us.  When you travel, use your imagination and find ways to exercise outside.  It will give you new scenery and may add another level or challenge to your activity.

Thailand: Take your old exercises somewhere new

A 2 hour boat ride brought me to the island of Koh Phi Phi where the waters are clear and the beaches are white soft sand.  One of the last items that I packed before leaving for Asia were my googles and I planned to make use of them here.  After a small hike to the nearest beach, I jumped in the water and began my freestyle swim.  The current made it a little tougher than a lap pool, yet the high salt content allowed me to float better and acted like a leg buoy when my body got a little tired.  It was a great way to exercise while allowing me to view the marine life and rekindle my love for swimming!

My favorite part about taveling is trying new food, experiencing new cultures and getting out of my daily routine. This, I believe, is so imporatant and one of the best gifts you can give yourself. It is an amazing feeling to learn and to try new anything and it is something that many, including myself, take for granted.

Vietnam – Do something out of the ordinary

Vietnam is full of new and training in a city is not the easiest to do when there seems to be about 5 million people on scooters wizzing by you. The food is also a huge distraction because there is something delicious smelling on every corner. I managed to get away from the city and headed to Halong Bay where being on a an overnight junk boat makes it even harder to run or bike or be very active. Instead of the ordinary, I managed to kayak quite a bit. Not apart of my normal routine, this workout and mode of transportation got me moving to remote places and targeted my complete upper body, which hadn’t seen much training in a week or so. It is so important to do something that isn’t normally a part of your routine. It breaks your cycle and adds a little excitement for your muslces and your mind.

A day can either feel very long or very short.  When I am traveling they always feel longer.  I think it is because I try to fit so much into one day.  I wake up early and try to make the most of my time.  I see what there is to see, eat all of the food that I can and come the end of the day, I am completely exhausted.  When I think back on what I did during the day, I wonder how many miles I walked and what other special exercises I got myself into.

Kuala Lumpur – Take the road less traveled…. or just take the stairs

One of the best ways to add in a little exercise to your day is taking the stairs rather than the escalator or elevator. Walking itself is a fantastic exercise, but adding in stairs gives your muscles a different workout. I have encountered many mini stair steppers in Malaysia, ranging from a long staircase to the 200+ steep stairs up to the Batu Caves. Hikes around Kuala Lumpur also consist of nature made stairs that are also steep and long. We don’t see enough people using stairs in America, so consider it your own personal time to reflect on your day as well as give your legs a little love and attention.

It is important to realize that we can still workout and train away from the gym, our favorite running trails, bike rides and swimming spots.  I have started my month long journey in Asia and have found some challenges, but with a little bit of adventure and imagination, I have found that keeping up with my daily exercise routine is possible.

Hong Kong: There is always somewhere that you can exercise

Hong Kong is an overwhelmingly large city with only tall architecturally stunning buildings and shopping malls galore; however, there are numerous parks and running paths scattered among the area that allow you to run without having to stop at lights and dodge thousands of people. I chose to run along Victoria Harbor and was able to scan Hong Kong Island in a 4 mile run. I used my watch to pace myself in order to maintain my ideal mile. I also added in high knees and butt kicks to my routine, which gave my exercise just a little more. Using your environment not only changes up the scenery, but will throw little obstacles your way, such as the occasional hill or overpass. I love to sprint to the top and then work on my recovery time.