Vacation doesn’t have to mean skipping your workouts. You can do as many or as little as you like while on holiday mode, but you should pack for both just in case. Skimping on your routine doesn’t necessarily mean that you aren’t going to get any physical activity in your schedule. You can plan for some fun activities like hiking, bicycling or swimming to amp up your workouts.
Packing Essentials
Here’s what to pack on vacation to avoid sabotaging your fitness goals.
1. Water Bottle
Hydration is a vital part of working out. Perspiration requires your body to need more water than usual. Pack a water bottle to save money on buying disposable ones. Bringing your own can also save you some trips to the water fountain.
2. Travel Laundry Bag
A lot of travelers overlook packing a travel laundry bag. Isn’t it nice to separate your clean clothes from your dirty ones? This is especially true when you’re working out. You don’t want the sweaty items from your exercise touching your clean laundry. They even make waterproof laundry bags, so you don’t have to worry about your swimsuit contaminating the rest of your clothes. How cool is that?
3. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are lightweight and easy to transport in any bag or suitcase. They are the most versatile workout equipment you could pack since they provide a wide array of potential exercises. Resistance bands can give you a full-body workout if you know how to use them. They can be utilized anywhere, so they’re great for accommodations that don’t offer on-site gyms.
4. Workout Clothing
Workout clothes are an essential item to pack if you’re planning to do physical activity on vacation. Throw some shorts and tanks in for summer exercises. Leggings and sports bras are great options for winter workouts with some active long-sleeve shirts. Running shoes are the most essential. You cannot work out in your cowgirl boots or you will pay for it big time. Exercising barefoot can be harmful as well unless you are practicing yoga.
5. Jump-Rope
Jump-ropes are great items to pack for vacation because, like resistance bands, they are lightweight and don’t take up much space in your suitcase. They aren’t as versatile as resistance bands but offer a pretty killer workout. Weighted jump-ropes give you an extra bang for your buck where your muscles are concerned. They are ideal if you have limited time to work out on vacation.
6. Smartwatch
An apple watch or Fitbit can help you keep track of your daily steps and calories burned. Smartwatches can also help you stay on your diet while on vacation. You can log all your meals on your app and use it for reference when deciding what you want to eat. If you wish, you can wear your smartwatch to bed and track your sleep cycle to see how your snoozes look on vacation mode.
7. Laptop
You should bring a laptop or tablet on vacation, especially if you aren’t staying somewhere with a complimentary gym. You can stream workout classes on your computer any time of the day — they are hard to follow from a phone. You could even hook your laptop to your hotel room’s TV. You can also access your fitness apps from a computer with a bigger screen and more options. If you are doing a training program with one of our personal trainers, your workouts don't have to be interrupted! You can stream them via video call while you are away.
8. Headphones
Some fitness connoisseurs can’t run without their music. Headphones are a necessity for them. If yours are bulky, consider trying some earbuds while on vacation. They are so tiny that they barely take up any room, and that’s what you’re looking for when you travel. You want items that use as little space as possible.
9. Inflatable Exercise Ball
You can quickly inflate a stability ball once you reach your destination, which means you can pack it deflated. Exercise balls are versatile and work on core areas of muscles. They are made of thick and durable material that doesn’t smell strange like some workout equipment, so they won’t stink up anything in your suitcase.
10. Anti-Chafe Balm
Anti-chafe balms are almost as essential as a deodorant. This stuff is like magic for your inner thighs. It helps when you’re walking around and exploring your travel destination, so it doubles as an essential item to pack for workouts and daily activities. Your body could react strangely to the climate you’re visiting and you’ll be glad you packed something like this.
How to Avoid Sabotaging Your Fitness Goals
Your vacation can be fun-filled, and you can still stay on top of your fitness goals. You don’t have to sacrifice or choose one over the other. Pack the items you can use anywhere and tap in when you feel like it. It’s your vacation, so do whatever you want to do.
If you'd like to get into a regular fitness routine and learn how to keep your progress going, even when on a trip, the first step is to book a free transformation session at our personal training studio in Austin Texas. Your personal trainer will keep you accountable so you don’t lose track again and you can keep hitting those fitness goals.
About the author: Beth is the content manager and Managing Editor at Body+Mind and a lover of all things health and wellness. She shares knowledge on a variety of topics related to fitness, nutrition and disease prevention. In her spare time, Beth enjoys trying out new fitness trends.