Corner Office Anywhere

Creating a consistent workout routine when you are constantly changing your location can be very challenging. In general, you’ll need to focus on creating a flexible routine that lets you adapt to local conditions and available equipment. It’s a good idea to think big picture when creating your travel work-out goals, rather than be tied to very specific exercises, and have a few go-to options for each.

If you can create a workout routine that is not tied at all to equipment or facilities, that is even better! I personally enjoy changing things up based on what’s available around me. Here are the strategies I use to adapt my big-picture fitness goals while I’m on the road.

Get a short-term gym membership

Take a walk or drive around your new neighborhood to scope out gym options (these local businesses aren’t always well represented on Google maps!). Daily, weekly or monthly passes are usually available even if not well-advertised. You may have to go to the gym in person or contact the business to find out. If you’re in a particularly touristy area, some of the chain hotels may have gym membership options. They may be higher-priced but may also come with additional facility access.

Attend local fitness classes and join active adventures

Depending on how comfortable you are in the local language, joining a local fitness class could be a fun adventure or more than you are up for, but unless you are very far off the beaten path you will have options. Bigger cities or ones with an established expat or nomad community will often have English-language classes available if you know where to look. Again, hotels -especially chain hotels – are a good resource here. I would also suggest checking out bulletin postings at co-work locations, and seeing if you can find fitness options on your favorite tour-booking sites. Yoga offerings in scenic locations are common options. And of course, there are probably active tour options available to you, too. Look for bike tours, guided hikes, kayaking or other watersports to do some exploring and fitness at the same time.

Pack your home equipment

One way to help keep things consistent is to make some room for a few travel-friendly home fitness items in your suitcase. Here’s a few ideas that don’t take up a ton of space and have worked for me –

• Resistance bands
• Jump rope
• Travel yoga mat
• Mini scale
• Swimsuit & goggles

Buy home equipment on arrival

If you’re staying somewhere a few weeks or more it may make sense to buy some home fitness items once you arrive at your new home location. It can feel wasteful, but honestly it often makes financial sense compared to other options, as well. For example, I buy a new yoga mat and leave it behind nearly everywhere I go. It typically costs less than one yoga class and is well worth the cost when on busy days it becomes the difference between doing a workout or not.  Here are some global stores that you can check out that usually carry home fitness items:

• Intersport
• Decathlon
• Ale Hop
• Miniso
• Brand stores like Adidas and Nike

If your travel fitness routine is going to be sustainable, you’ll need to have a few tools in your tool bag to satisfy your exercise routine. I hope this information helps to get you started! If you would like more content like this, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter below.