Backpacking and Fitness: Tips for Staying in Shape on the Road

Hey there, fellow wanderlust warriors! Sophie here, your favourite 24-year-old self-proclaimed guru of all things Gen Z. Today, I’m swapping my usual tales of disastrous Tinder dates and avocado toast obsessions to talk about something a little different – backpacking and fitness. Yes, you heard it right! We’re diving into the world of maintaining our fabulous physiques (or trying to) while traversing the globe.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Sophie, how am I supposed to maintain my gym routine when I’m halfway across the world sleeping in hostels and living out of a backpack?” Well, fear not my intrepid explorers because I’ve got some tips that will keep you fit and healthy on the road. And nope, none of them involve lugging around dumbbells in your backpack – trust me, I learnt that lesson the hard way.

1. Embrace Active Travel

First up is embracing active travel. Forget taxis and Ubers; your new best friends are your feet! Walking or cycling is a fantastic way to explore a new city while also getting in some cardio. Not only does it help keep those calories at bay but also lets you discover hidden gems that you might miss when zoomed past in a taxi.

2. Pack Some Portable Fitness Equipment

I know we just talked about not carrying dumbbells around (still having flashbacks), but there are plenty of lightweight fitness tools perfect for travellers. Resistance bands are my personal favourite – they’re light as a feather yet can give you an intense full-body workout anywhere! Also consider packing a skipping rope or even a yoga mat if space allows.

3. Use Your Surroundings

Who needs a gym when you’ve got the great outdoors? Beaches, parks, mountains – they all make for perfect workout spots. Do some yoga by the beach at sunrise or go for a hike in the mountains. Not only will you get a killer workout, but you’ll also have an Instagram-worthy backdrop to boot!

4. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

This one might seem obvious, but it’s easy to neglect when you’re on the road. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day and try to maintain a balanced diet as much as possible. Yes, I know that street food is tempting (and delicious), but balance those indulgences with fresh fruits and veggies too.

5. Join Local Fitness Classes

Ever wanted to try Muay Thai in Thailand or yoga in India? Now’s your chance! Joining local fitness classes not only keeps you active but also allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture.

6. Rest Up

Last but definitely not least, remember to rest up! Travelling can be exhausting, and it’s crucial that we give our bodies time to recover. So yes, this is me giving you permission to take that afternoon nap – doctor’s orders!

Maintaining fitness while backpacking isn’t always easy; trust me, I’ve had my share of ‘I’d rather eat pizza than do push-ups’ moments. But with these tips in mind, keeping fit on the road becomes less daunting.

Surely if I can resist the allure of gelato long enough for a quick jog around Rome (true story), then so can you! So here’s to staying fit and fabulous while we quench our wanderlust. Safe travels, my fellow adventurers!