5 ways to stay active while you're traveling or away from home
The holiday season is often packed with travel, family time and busy schedules—and for many of us, that can mean our usual workout routine takes a backseat. Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week is one way to reduce your risk of cancer, but staying active doesn’t have to mean finding a gym or carving out an hour for a run. With a little creativity you can keep your body moving and your energy levels up no matter where the season takes you. Here are five easy ways to stay active while you’re traveling or away from home this holiday season:
1. Do no-equipment workouts
You don’t need a fancy set-up to get a good workout in. Many platforms, like YouTube and Instagram, offer quick 10–20-minute workouts that you can stream from a phone or laptop. There are plenty of free options that require only your bodyweight like yoga, high intensity interval training (HIIT), dance or Pilates. Try searching for ones with no equipment required, or you can substitute canned foods or water bottles as small weights if you want some resistance.
2. Get your steps in
What better way to explore new sights and scenes than by walking? Walking is one of the best (and easiest) ways to stay active, especially while traveling. Take advantage of your change in scenery—stroll through holiday markets, walk to local coffee shops or explore nearby trails and parks. If you’re visiting your family, invite them along to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh air. Every step counts, and your body will thank you for keeping it moving.
READ ALSO: Do I really need 10,000 steps per day?
3. Use what’s around you
No gym? No problem. Look around—everyday furniture and household items can double as workout equipment. The side of your bed or a couch can be used for tricep dips or incline push-ups. Your heavy suitcase or duffle bag can serve as a makeshift weight for squats or bicep curls.
READ ALSO: 10 tips for spicing up your exercise routine
Even stairs inside a house can serve as the original stair master—take a few trips up and down for a quick, heart-pumping workout. The key is creativity—when you start to see your surroundings as workout tools, you’ll realize you can get a great sweat anywhere.
4. Build activity into traditions
Spending time with family doesn’t have to mean sitting indoors all day. Get into the holiday spirit by adding movement to your traditions. Go ice skating, take a family walk to see neighborhood light displays, sign up for a festive 5K or head out on a scenic winter hike. Not only will these activities make lasting memories, but you’ll feel good knowing you’re keeping your body active in the process. Even small bursts of activity—like playing with younger relatives outside or dancing to holiday music—can add up.
5. Keep moving on travel days
Days spent in airports, train stations or cars can leave your body feeling stiff and sluggish if you stay seated the entire time. A little movement goes a long way toward boosting circulation and easy travel fatigue. If you have extra time at the airport, take a few laps around the terminal instead of sitting at the gate. On trains, use the aisles to walk between cars when it’s safe to do so. For long road trips, build in rest stops—take five to ten minutes to stretch, walk around and get your blood flowing before hitting the road again. These small moments of movement can make travel days feel lighter and less draining.
READ ALSO: How sleep and fitness affect your health
Remember that traveling can be tiring, so if your body is asking for rest, don’t be afraid to take it. Staying active is all about balance—sometimes, recovery and relaxation are just as important as exercise. The bottom line is you don’t have to stick to your regular workout routine to stay active while you’re on the go. Focus on moving your body a little every day so you can remain healthy and stay ahead of cancer.