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[whereshegoes]

Sometimes it can be hard to keep a regular excercise routine when you are travelling. What are some of the tactics you use to keep in shape while on the road?

[uncle_davros]

When on the road, walk loads everyday. Minimum 10K's per day

[whereshegoes]

Sit ups, crunches and push ups are great and can be done most anywhere.

[uncle_davros]

And so can walking, especially up and down stairs

[rbisset]

I walked at least 10k's everyday whilst travelling so other exercises weren't necessary. Easy to walk at least 10k's if you are exploring a town and seeing all the sights. Hell in Beijing I think I was walking close to 30k with ease!

[whereshegoes]

Its especially good to try and get lost when exploring...you forget you are even excercising!

[uncle_davros]

Also, climb any tower wherever you see one. Be it a temple or a church, get out there and do it

[whereshegoes]

I met some people who would not pass a mountain without trying to climb it.

[Jessica_CDN]

When I'm travelling, I always bring (and use!) my yoga mat. I always practice in the mornings since most people are still sleeping then and I can practice in peace. It's nice to shake up the muscles and everything after walking tons, or sitting on a bus, or carrying a heavy pack for kms!!

Even if it's just a short practice, I always manage to get a few practices in during the week!

[whereshegoes]

Another light and cheap idea is to carry a skipping rope...this can be done anywhere!

[wakingdream]

I carry my yoga mat as well. Strap it on the side of my pack and away I go. Wish I could take the blocks they are key to opening some bandhas, but sadly they are just too bulky. A nice run and then some hot ashtanga yoga is a great way to start the day. Even better if the climate is warm. All the walking, climbing and exploring is just a bonus.

[whereshegoes]

I noticed that you specified what KIND of yoga....is there a big difference between them?

[whereshegoes]

Has anyone ever stayed in a hostel with a gym?

[wakingdream]

I noticed that you specified what KIND of yoga....is there a big difference between them?

To tell you the truth, I don't know that much about the other kinds of yoga.
Hatha yoga is popular and is less intense then ashtanga. It's slower, fluid motions which are alot less intense then ashtanga. Ashtanga (astanga), or what I call Hot Yoga, is done in a room not less then 75 degrees, and the movements flow continuously, so there is not much stopping, even when you are holding your poses, so it's a really good workout, and the heat makes you sweat which rids your body of toxins. ( Bikram yoga is the one traditionally called "hot" actually.) I find it to be a great way to get some exercise during the winter as the heat is so inviting and the movements vigorous. Check out the different styles of yoga here.
You mentioned running, and that it was not so appealing to you in the winter. I am also a runner who pretty much stops running when The Freeze hits and yoga seems to be a great substitute. You should give it a go. I like a class a week, and then my own home practise a few more times a week. If you get blocks there are some very amazing 'opening' stretches you can do which target different parts of your body. Sooo good.

[ScottWoz]

Walking everywhere. I walk loads and find it a great way to explore and get a feel for the place. I actually get a kick out of getting lost too - more exercise..

[peacefrog]

Yep, walking and hiking is my answer: any mountain or tower or lookout or small alley is worth visiting, especially given that for each tiny unique little place, you usually get only one chance in a lifetime. So quite naturally the walking is also a travelling need.
Swimming or kayaking or diving or cycling keep you fit while you explore.

In fact, once I start travelling, I have to get out and do something everyday, otherwise I overheat from staying idle. Driving is the worst thing ever, I enjoy its flexibility and freedom, but it is really bad physically.

Also very important: drink wine

[wakingdream]

Surely some of you guys have played sepak? Sepak Takraw is the proper name I think? It's that wicker-looking hacky sack thingamajigger first born in Malaysia and found throughout SEA and beyond. There are different sizes as well tho I find the small ones pretty hard to deal with! I LOVE this game even tho I am not really that good at it! Alot of the times during monsoon we would move all of the furniture to the outside of the room and play inside, bouncing off walls and stuff. It is really fun and can definitely get your heart going!

[wadirunner]

Sometimes it can be hard to keep a regular excercise routine when you are travelling. What are some of the tactics you use to keep in shape while on the road?

For me, it can be as simple as remembering to bring my runners, then find a public park and go on a pre-breakfast jog. Easy Peasy.

[findingnine]

Ok, I know I'm late getting in on this, but I have questions.
I will be going up north again soon, so Activities that are quiet, indoors, and require very little space are ideal. (I am freshly discovering running, but not safe in Northern wilderness alone)
The yoga speak intrigues me; how do you learn it?

[exploreamerica]

Low budget travel = fitness

You need to walk around with a heavy bag on your back.

Day trip hikes.

Walking from site to site.

Dancing then ight away.