Staying on track with my workouts during this adventure has been easier then I expected. Most mornings I get up early, and get a quick and dirty workout in before starting my day.
This process is a lot easier thanks to a couple essential fitness items that I packed with me. So without further ado, here are my travel fitness must haves.
My brightly coloured ladies!
Two Pairs of Runners: I’ll be honest, I remember feeling a little high maintenance when I put these two pairs of shoes inside my backpack. Would I really need two pairs of runners to work out in?
The answer…yes.
Having already committed to a couple Half Marathons when I return, I knew I would have to log some serious miles here in Costa Rica in order to keep up my endurance. Running shoes are extremely important for long distance runners, and before leaving I had just broken in these saucy hot pink Asics. I knew if I was going to be running long distances, these babies were coming with me.
I also knew that I wouldn’t solely be relying on running for my fitness adventures. I knew I would be doing a lot of cross training in my room. My asics just weren’t flexible enough for all the jumping, burpeeing and all around flailing that I planned on doing. It’s also important to save your “running” shoes for running only, as they tend to wear our fast. So I brought along my Vibrams. These shoes are super compact, and are great for my hotel room workouts. I’ve also worn them on a whole bunch of hikes, and on the plane!
Call me high maintenance if you wish, but having two pairs of runners has been a huge help to my travel fitness regime.
SO glad I packed these!
Workout Bands: I wasn’t sure how much I would use workout bands, as I rarely use them at home. Well my friends, let me tell you, these things are pretty much a part of EVERY workout I do. You can do it all with these babies; Bicep Curls, Tricep Extensions, Rows, Chest Press, Abs Crunches, and the list goes on! Whenever we check into a new hostel I’m instantly on the look out for what things I can wrap my bands around! I was totally expecting to lose a lot of definition in my arms during this trip, but thanks to these bands, I’ve managed to keep up a pretty decent strength training routine.
My little bean makes me smile whenever I look at my phone
iPhone: Although this magical piece of technology is good for blasting music and podcasts while you are working out, I have found so many amazing apps that have become essential for my routines. I am not going to go into to much detail because I think I’m going to do a whole post about them at a later date.But whether its tracking my steps and runs or timing my Tabata or Intervals, my iPhone always has role in my workouts.
And yes, my iphone cover photo makes makes me smile every single time I see it!
Lots of sweat on these pages!
Workout Journal: Before I left I took an old journal from home and recorded a whole bunch of workout routines in it. Little did I know that this thing would become my workout bible.
Before each workout I take a glance through the ever growing list of workouts. I either choose an exisiting one, or create something new. I then use the book to keep track of my reps and sets as I go.
Not only does this book keep me organized, but it is a constant motivator to keep my workouts interesting and creative. No workouts plateaus here!
So there ya go!
You certainly don’t need much to workout effectively while travelling, but these couple items have definitely made my life easier!
What do you bring to help you workout while travelling?
Pura Vida!
Kate
Follow me on Twitter:@caketress
Hostels and Hot Rollers 
For me, I always feel like I need a good ol’ lightweight yoga mat, and a pair of Valslides! You can use Valslides in your hotel room (or condo, apartment, wherever you might be) as long as you have either a smooth floor you can lay a towel down on, an area rug, or a carpeted area. 🙂
Oh yea! I tried to find some before I left, but didn’t track them down in time. I tend to use hand towels, or a good ole pair of socks on hardwoord to get the same effect!