Never Skip a Workout: How I Stay Active During Travel and the Holidays
People who know me understand that I have two major passions: travel and working out. Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between them. Whenever I travel, I love to drop-in at different gyms. Meeting new people and experiencing the fitness community—whether across the country or internationally—is always rewarding.
Tips for Dropping in at a Gym While Traveling
Research Ahead of Time: Visit the gym’s website to check their class schedule, drop-in information, and contact details.
Reach Out: Email the gym before your visit. Let them know you’d like to drop in, specify your experience level, the day and time you plan to attend, and ask if you need to complete anything in advance.
Arrive Early: Get there 10-15 minutes before class. This gives you time to sign any required forms, pay the drop-in fee, and get comfortable with the space.
Show Respect: Treat the gym and its members with courtesy. Some gyms require drop pads for barbells, so ask about equipment rules and be friendly to everyone.
Clean Up: Wipe down and put away any equipment you used.
Express Thanks: Always thank the coaches and staff before leaving.
Staying Active When You Can’t Visit a Gym
If you can’t make it to another gym, don’t worry—you can still have a great workout in your hotel room, hotel gym, or wherever you are staying. Never underestimate the power of a bodyweight or dumbbell workout. Plenty of free apps offer workout ideas tailored to the equipment you have (or don’t have).
Tabata is my favorite go-to workout format. Typically, Tabata consists of 8 rounds of 20 seconds of work followed by 10 seconds of rest. You can adjust the number of rounds or the time intervals (e.g., 40 seconds work, 20 seconds rest) to fit your schedule. Just pick your movements and you’ll have an efficient and effective workout.
Additional Tips for Staying Active While Traveling During the Holiday Season
The holiday season is associated with joy, travel, and celebration; however, it may also introduce stress and changes in routine.
Try local exercises or activities to stay active and experience the culture.
Get creative with your workouts by using parks, playgrounds, or outdoor gyms. Go hiking, swimming, biking, or running to explore your destination.
Pack compact fitness gear such as resistance bands, jump ropes, yoga mats, or dumbbells for versatile training options.
Plan ahead – Set aside 10–20 minutes per day for exercise to support consistency.
Get the family involved, such as by walking together after meals for movement and fresh air.
Drink plenty of water.
Travel Workout Ideas
Here are some of my favorite workouts to do on the go, when I can’t get to the gym.
Tabata Mash-Up for max reps: no equipment needed
16 rounds of 20 seconds of work and 10 seconds of rest (8 minutes total)
Air squats, pushups, sit-ups
5 Rounds for time: equipment needed – dumbbells
10 dumbbell deadlifts
10 dumbbell hang power cleans
10 dumbbell front squats
10 dumbbell push press
10 burpees
For time: no equipment needed
10 burpees
10 burpees
25 pushups
10 burpees
25 pushups
50 alternating lunges
10 burpees
25 pushups
50 alternating lunges
100 sit-ups
10 burpees
25 pushups
50 alternating lunges
100 sit-ups
150 air squats
Tabata Mash-Up for max reps: equipment needed – jump rope and dumbbell
16 rounds of 40 seconds of work, 20 seconds of rest (16 minutes total)
Jump rope – double or single unders
Alternating dumbbell snatch
Dumbbell goblet squats
Russian twists – with or without the dumbbell
I struggle when my workout intensity isn’t as high as at home, but I remind myself to be flexible. Some movement is better than none, and it’s important to find balance and enjoy your time away!
Remember, fitness is about balance. Embrace your travels, stay open to new experiences, and keep moving!
Coach Jessie
