5 Ways Running and Biking Help You Keep Fit and Explore a New Destination
Hitting the road for a run is a fantastic way to explore a new location and keep up with your workout routine.
Guest Post By Dan Chabert
While traveling is definitely exciting, it can wreak havoc on your exercise schedule.
You find yourself in places that take you away from your normal training environment, and it can be almost impossible to find the typical equipment you have been using to bust out the required sets in your normal training routine.
Additionally, when you're on vacation or a business trip, you'll probably end up straying from your nutrition plan. You get back to your room completely exhausted, and you would rather hit the bed than worry about doing crunches, jumping jacks or pushups to compensate for your boosted calorie consumption.
We know the feeling, so we've compiled a list of ways to incorporate a workout into your sightseeing — offbeat ways that help you travel a bit differently while keeping on the move. These tips will prepare you to stay fit during any trip. The best part? You'll enjoy these workouts that don't require you to drag yourself into an unfamiliar hotel fitness center.
1. Go Exploring on the Run
When you visit a new city, instead of popping in your ear buds and heading down to the gym, open your hotel doors and head outside for a run around the city to explore all the things a new destination has to offer.
Possibilities are limitless when it comes to exploring an unknown city. Meet residents; you never know where you'll find a new running pal. Plus, you can ask for must-see attractions in the city as well as favorite running routes. Discover near-by stores, stop for a healthy snack or a quick refreshment to fuel up the rest of your adventure.
2. Look for a Trail Run
Ask the residents or hotel staff for nearby parks or running trails. You'll be refreshed when you can run in a forest or to the top of a hill to find a cool vista. This is your opportunity to boost your adrenaline and see parts of a destination that few other travelers will. Bring along a camera.
3. See Things in a Different Way
Change it up by running on a beach during your trip to Mexico.
If you're returning to a familiar location, mix it up a bit. Try a new route from your previous runs, hikes or walks.
If you tried a trail run the last time, weave through the city center this time. Find parks, restaurants, museums, recreational centers and many other points of interest that you can visit after your training session. Your travels might also give you the chance to try running in a new environment. If you're visiting a coastal region, you can try beach running. Be careful and ease into it though, especially if you go barefoot on soft sands. Your feet will not be used to this, so you should limit your distances and slowly build up mileage for this type of running. Visiting a high-altitude location? Experience the intense mountain runs that might be available.
4. Think Safety First
Don't go into unfamiliar environments without proper advice from a resident or an expert guide who is familiar with the area. Running in remote places or in spots with hazardous terrains can lead to injuries, leave you lost or place you in danger.
5. Hop on Two Wheels and Push the Pedals
Rent a bike to cover more ground and get in a good workout when in a new destination.
Cycling is an awesome sport that gives you an efficient aerobic workout while allowing you to cover a lot of ground around a new city. Rent a bike (or maybe your hotel loans them out) to head out exploring or use the bike to commute to any meetings or destinations you have on your itinerary.
Are You Motivated? Whether a busy travel schedule obstructs your fitness regimen is up to you. You can always find the time and a creative way to stay fit out on the road. You might be the guy or gal out running around a parking lot and doing burpees.
No, you're not goofy, you're dedicated. You'll also have more energy, sleep better and recover from jet lag more quickly, too.
Got it? Good. Now stay fit, and have fun.
Dan Chabert is a Danish entrepreneur and ultramarathon distance runner. He keeps busy by managing the websites RunnerClick.com, MonicasHealthMag.com and NicerShoes.com. He has also been featured on several popular runner blogs. Aside from being busy with running-related activities, Dan also loves traveling the world with his wife.