How to Stay Fit and Healthy on the Road

Overlanding is a very refreshing and beautiful experience. You get to camp, see the world, and overall get away from those four walls at home that never seem to change. Still, as an overlander, you probably noticed one thing: it’s quite difficult to stay fit when you are on the road.

The issue is that when you are at home, you can easily pack your gym bag and go sweat some calories off at the gym. It’s also easier to stick to a routine that allows you to exercise. However, when you are overlanding, things can get rather difficult – mainly because you can’t just find a gym in the middle of nowhere. So, for you to still stay in shape on the road, here are some tips and exercises for overlanders.

Try to Stick to a Diet

We know, when you are on the road, it’s rather difficult to hang onto a diet. Since you don’t have your home kitchen with you, it’s easier to get take-out from a fast food store or to buy some bagged food from the convenience store. Try to eat real cooked food that actually has some veggies and is not over-processed.

To make matters easier, simply buy a small fridge for your vehicle. You can use it to store foods that you can cook yourself on a portable stove. Stick to meals that keep you satiated such as vegetables and protein-rich foods (of legume or animal origin).

Pick Some Active Quests

 As an overlander, you are bound to drive quite a lot. However, when you have the opportunity, try to add some active quests to the mix. Perhaps some hiking, or walking as you are sightseeing. Maybe play some ball with your friends or family as you are camping. Walk as much as you can, and don’t just rely on your car to take you to every spot.

Keep a Road-Friendly Exercise Routine

 It’s not impossible to make time for exercising; you just need some motivation and make yourself available for it. Whether you are staying at a hotel, at a campsite, or simply stopping for food somewhere, you can squeeze 10 minutes in to do a quick workout.

You don’t need a gym or any equipment to get your heart rate going and build some muscle. You just have to pick the right exercises for that. Here are some weightless exercises that you can do everywhere:

  • Push-ups
  • Jumping jacks
  • Sit-ups
  • Lunges
  • Burpees
  • Squats
  • Stretching or Yoga
  • Dips
  • Sprints
  • Plank

The good part with these types of exercises is that you won’t need more than 10 minutes to get yourself all sweaty if you do things right. Plus, there are many types of cardio-friendly exercises that you can do wherever you are accommodating, whether it’s at the hotel or a campsite. For instance, if you like dancing, put on your favorite rhythmic or energizing music, and simply move around.

Bring Resistance Bands

 Now and again, you might feel like doing some strength training. Dumbbells are a pain to carry, so make sure that you get some resistance band with you as well. They are lighter and more compact, and the best part is that you can attach them to everything – even your car. This will help you strengthen and tone your muscles while on the road.

Use the “Never Two” Rule

 Occasionally, you might miss a day of exercising – or there may be a time when you don’t have time to cook, and must eat fast food. What’s important is that you do not do the same thing two days in a row.

For example, if you skip one day of exercising, make sure that you do it the next day. Or if you eat an unhealthy meal one day, make sure that the next day you remain on a healthy track. By doing this, you’ll prevent yourself from falling into bad habits, which will also keep you in shape.

The Bottom Line

 It’s not impossible to keep fit on the road. You just need strong motivation for it. Eat healthily, exercise when you can – and most importantly, have fun while doing all these.


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