Fitness by Jennifer Cox Keeping active while travelling Travel is a big part of a snowbird’s life, whether it’s making their way down south and back, or going on a vacation somewhere. Long car, plane or train rides, a change in your usual workout routine and limited access to a gym, as well as other physical activities can all challenge our ability to be active. So here are a few tips on keeping active while travelling. Plan ahead Think about the trip that you’re about to go on and how you will find time to exercise. In addition to scheduling visits, excursions or tours, think about when you’ll also be able to put aside some time for some body conditioning. Do you need any equipment? Resistance bands can be lightweight enough to tuck into a suitcase or overnight bag, and you can do myriad strength training exercises in a small area. You could bring a jump rope or a yoga mat as well. What exercises will you be doing? Perhaps you should do some research ahead of time and make a few step-by-step notations on how to do particular exercises. Other easyto-do exercises include push-ups, sit-ups, squats, dips and lunges. You will want to pack sneakers too, so that you have comfortable shoes for working out (not just sandals and flip-flops). Planning ahead is also important when it comes to your diet. It’s easy to succumb to all of that fast food with which you’re faced in airports and at rest stops, not to mention all the eating out you’ll be doing on vacation. So make sure that you pack healthy snacks which will keep you feeling full without the added salt and sugar of these quick options. Take advantage of airport time and rest stops Delayed in Terminal B? Go for a brisk walk around the airport. Waiting for baggage at arrivals, or for the hubby to fill up on gas at that rest stop? Do some light stretching. Also, look for a flight of stairs and just ease yourself up and down them a few times to limber up. Sitting for a long time, whether it be on a plane, train or car, can cause muscles to tense up. It can also help with any neck or back pain. Make do with what you have You can’t pack free weights on a trip, but you can use alternative things in lieu of them. Water bottles can be great replacement weights. Use tables and chairs as stability items to do some toe lifts, or door frames to help you stretch. If you’ve packed some healthy snacks, such as instant oatmeal, you can use the hotel room coffee machine to get hot water for its preparation. Powdered protein and health shakes are also easy to transport and will make up for any lost vitamins andminerals. Take advantage of exercise opportunities If you’re visiting a new city and can go on a walking tour or a bus tour, opt for the walking one. If the hotel has a swimming pool or a fitness centre, use it. When making travel decisions, seek out certain options where you get a bit of exercise in the process. And, if you’re in transit via plane or train and have your hands free, use things like resistance hand grips. Vacation is a time for some R&R. But some physical activity could mean the difference between feeling like yourself, or feeling lethargic, over-indulged, or even sick. Fit in some exercise as well as a few healthy snacks, and you’ll be sure to make your next trip one for the record books. 38 | www.snowbirds.org
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