Keeping fit whilst travelling

Keeping fit and healthy was always going to be a priority for Jacob and I whilst travelling. At home we both enjoy going to the gym regularly and have pretty good diets.

As we were going to be travelling for up to a year, we needed to maintain a healthy balanced lifestyle rather than living like we were on an all inclusive holiday.

Here are some of the ways that we have kept fit and healthy whilst on our travels…

Going to local gyms

We have been to so many different gyms since coming to South East Asia that I have lost count. They have ranged from modern gyms with lots of different machines to outdoor gyms with stone weights. The variety always keeps it interesting.

Some of the gyms have air conditioning but many don’t. It’s important to remember that the hotter temperatures make training much harder, and you need to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.

Often we will go to the gym first thing in the morning so we have the rest of the day free, or later in the evening when the temperature has cooled a bit.

Steps steps steps

Since travelling South East Asia I have realised how few steps I actually did at home. There have been some days we have done almost 25,000 steps just by walking around a city.

The number of steps will vary on where you are and how hot it is (no one wants to be stomping around in 35 degree heat). Steps are the easiest form of exercise though.

Keeping your mind healthy

Keeping fit and healthy isn’t just limited to physical health. It is essential to look after your mental wellbeing too.

Self care is key, and this can come in many forms. Some examples of things I do are taking time to read a book, writing in my journal, watching some Netflix I enjoy, or having a nice pamper.

Other ways to look after your mental wellbeing include keeping your brain stimulated. Reading is a good way of doing this. Another way, and don’t call me old, are things like crosswords. There are plenty of apps out there for things like this.

A balanced diet

Travelling long term is a lifestyle rather than a holiday so this has to translate into your diet. We have treats most days (ice creams, smoothies, cakes) but we balance this out with some healthier choices too.

Eating the local food in South East Asia is often a healthier choice than going for western options. You also don’t want to miss out on the fruit, which as well as being delicious is also a healthy option.

Probiotics

I’ve taken probiotics since travelling South East Asia to improve and protect my gut health and avoid illness. So far they have worked pretty well so I would definitely recommend.

The probiotics that I have been taking are the Holland & Barrett travel biotic live friendly bacteria + ginger capsules.