This blog post was originally supposed to be my first YouTube video but study, exams and life got in the way so I have decided to blog on the subject instead!
As you may know from previous posts, I'm heading to Europe shortly for a study filled summer (because two regular semesters of study aren't enough ey?) Naturally, I have been in full summer-body prep mode. We're talking pumping it at the gym, getting some serious cardio in and smoothies out the wazoo! This has all left me feeling great and looking (much) better! The thing is though, I'm going to the land of cheesy pizza and sweet gelato (Italy in case that wasn't obvious), so there is no doubt I will be eating my weight in pasta daily if not for every meal... Lets not forget the wine either.
So, how to maintain (or at least not completely loose all) of my Euro-Summer body? Well, here are my top 6 tips for keeping fit while on global adventures.
1. This one's a no brainer; WALK. Just walk everywhere. As much as possible. Best part about it is by walking places instead of just grabbing a cab everywhere, you will see so much more of the no-doubt beautiful city you are visiting. This (not so) sneaky tip is great because you wont even realise you're doing cardio, you'll be too distracted by the windy little streets you get lost in.
2. Don't underestimate the power of a hotel room. Yes cardio is good, but we all know that strength training is key to sexy, strong curves. Not all hotels have a gym, you may be backpacking or you just may not have time for a 45 min shred sesh. That's cool. Just use what's around you. You'd be surprised at how many (super challenging might I add) exercises can be done equipment free.
These are just some basic examples of what I like to do:
If those don't float your boat, there's loads of equipment free workouts available on the interwebs, such as this Tone It Up workout or check out these free workouts by Neila Rey (I'm a big fan). But Google that shit, there's loads out there.
3. Take the stairs. Heading to the top of the Eiffel Tower? Take the stairs. Not only will the view be all the more rewarding but the extra exercise will leave you feeling great, not to mention the toning your legs will get from all the stairs! Can someone say perky butt??
4. Pack a skipping rope. For all you serious cardio bunnies out there, this is an easy and light weight item to add to your suitcase that lets you get some serious cardio in. Just try skipping non-stop for 5 minutes and then we'll talk. That's some hard work!
5. Hire a bike. Sight seeing is so much more fun on a retro push bike... You get to cut through traffic yet still absorb the beauty around you. Pretty much every European city has great bike systems set up, and if they don't, it's pretty easy to find a bike hire shop - just do a quick Google or ask the friendly folk at your hotel/hostel. Riding is a great way to add some cardio and strength training into your holidaying without feeling like you're "working out".
6. Find a gym. If all of the above just doesn't cut it for you, or the thought of two consecutive days without pumping it at the gym terrifies you (firstly, mate, how you gonna get to Europe from Australia in under two days??) and secondly, my last tip is for you. Nowadays, it's pretty easy to find a gym in most major cities. The best part? The majority of gyms offer up to a week free trial, so you don't necessarily have to be out of pocket at all!
Hopefully you find these tips helpful! If you've got any of your own tips and tricks, I'd love to hear them!
As you may know from previous posts, I'm heading to Europe shortly for a study filled summer (because two regular semesters of study aren't enough ey?) Naturally, I have been in full summer-body prep mode. We're talking pumping it at the gym, getting some serious cardio in and smoothies out the wazoo! This has all left me feeling great and looking (much) better! The thing is though, I'm going to the land of cheesy pizza and sweet gelato (Italy in case that wasn't obvious), so there is no doubt I will be eating my weight in pasta daily if not for every meal... Lets not forget the wine either.
So, how to maintain (or at least not completely loose all) of my Euro-Summer body? Well, here are my top 6 tips for keeping fit while on global adventures.
1. This one's a no brainer; WALK. Just walk everywhere. As much as possible. Best part about it is by walking places instead of just grabbing a cab everywhere, you will see so much more of the no-doubt beautiful city you are visiting. This (not so) sneaky tip is great because you wont even realise you're doing cardio, you'll be too distracted by the windy little streets you get lost in.
2. Don't underestimate the power of a hotel room. Yes cardio is good, but we all know that strength training is key to sexy, strong curves. Not all hotels have a gym, you may be backpacking or you just may not have time for a 45 min shred sesh. That's cool. Just use what's around you. You'd be surprised at how many (super challenging might I add) exercises can be done equipment free.
These are just some basic examples of what I like to do:
- Squat variations: jump, narrow, wide, weighted (use your backpack/suitcase/laptop/whatever!)
- Walking lunge: walk down the corridor - you may get weird looks, but damn, dat ass will look hot!
- Push ups: regular, diamond and wide
- Plank, side plank
- Sit ups, crunches, Russian twist
I'll do 12-16 reps of each and 2-3 circuits depending on how much time I've got/how hungover I am.
If those don't float your boat, there's loads of equipment free workouts available on the interwebs, such as this Tone It Up workout or check out these free workouts by Neila Rey (I'm a big fan). But Google that shit, there's loads out there.
3. Take the stairs. Heading to the top of the Eiffel Tower? Take the stairs. Not only will the view be all the more rewarding but the extra exercise will leave you feeling great, not to mention the toning your legs will get from all the stairs! Can someone say perky butt??
4. Pack a skipping rope. For all you serious cardio bunnies out there, this is an easy and light weight item to add to your suitcase that lets you get some serious cardio in. Just try skipping non-stop for 5 minutes and then we'll talk. That's some hard work!
5. Hire a bike. Sight seeing is so much more fun on a retro push bike... You get to cut through traffic yet still absorb the beauty around you. Pretty much every European city has great bike systems set up, and if they don't, it's pretty easy to find a bike hire shop - just do a quick Google or ask the friendly folk at your hotel/hostel. Riding is a great way to add some cardio and strength training into your holidaying without feeling like you're "working out".
6. Find a gym. If all of the above just doesn't cut it for you, or the thought of two consecutive days without pumping it at the gym terrifies you (firstly, mate, how you gonna get to Europe from Australia in under two days??) and secondly, my last tip is for you. Nowadays, it's pretty easy to find a gym in most major cities. The best part? The majority of gyms offer up to a week free trial, so you don't necessarily have to be out of pocket at all!
Hopefully you find these tips helpful! If you've got any of your own tips and tricks, I'd love to hear them!
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