Yesterday marked the second month of my 90 days fitness journey. I haven't weighed myself but only measured the inches that I managed to lose within a month. I lost quite a bit and was pretty proud about it. But aside from that, this month was offering another challenge. Throughout the end of june to early July, I was on the move almost every week for 2 days. This makes me unable to go to the gym regularly 6x/week. In that process, I had to make a few adjustments here and there.

What's my way to stay fit and stick to the plan while traveling?

In the past, I never really worked out during my travels. It was not something that was incorporated into my lifestyle. However, since I commited to all of this, I even feel guilty having a rest day. So now, I am always looking for ways I can workout while I am on the move. Here are a few things I did this month when I traveled.

No weights, No problem

Without access to dumbbells or weights equipment, I used a backpack, luggage, even a water bottle to do some arm exercises. My old self would think it was all silly but with the right movement, it actually works as a substitute and I got the movement that I needed.

Fun Cardio Exercises

When I decide I want to visit a place, I often choose an activity that would require some sort of movement such as hiking, swimming, a combination of both or a lot of walking. People that have traveled with me would attest that they hate it when I start doing a lot of walking instead opting for a transportation. I really like walking especially when I am in a new environment. Those simple things are also a good way to add cardio into my schedule. Not to mention, it's often more fun than staying in the gym trying to sweat out on the elliptical or even the treadmill.

Buy/pack Healthy Food

While traveling it's also easy for me to eat more than I used to, especially when I do it with my family. But in my recent travels, I did not eat a lot, nor snacking unless it's fruits or peanuts. My mom saw this change but she understood that it's a good change. That's why she didn't complain or even ask me why I didn't buy chips. I still enjoy some food that god-knows-how-much the calories were but I did not feel guilty eating them.

Planning my exercise before the trip

Every Sunday, I would reflect on my exercises and plan out for the following week. I do not travel sporadically anymore because the workout is partly to blame. I can only afford twice or thrice a week to be away from the gym. If more than that, I don't think I could at the moment.

Find some fun movements while waiting

While waiting for food, in the line, for my transportation to arrive, I do some light movements. There are a lot of leg exercises that's fun to do and that I like to do such as side leg lifts and even light lunges. I also do plenty of calf rises because it's easy to do while standing up waiting for something.

If you move somewhere for more than 2 weeks, find a gym!

This month, since I am moving back on my own again, I did some research on the gym around my area. Although I did this a few weeks ago, I only found the right fit yesterday when I talked to my housemate. I was convinced because the place is nearby and the facilities are good. I actually stayed up late just to wait for its opening time, registered myself, and worked out right away.

Yesterday was also when I signed up for the new gym place. I was happy to have access to the gym once again after almost 3 days of only working out from home. Working out at the gym and spending my energy over there is just a different feeling. Although at the same time, traveling can be exhausting but it's just different exhaustion.

During my recent trips, my endurance was also tested and my mom told me that she saw changes. I no longer complain and walk too slowly during the hike. Ray told me the same thing too. He saw the changes in me and told me to stick with my plan because now I am away from everyone who would not hesitate to ask me, " did you go to the gym today?".

In terms of mental health, gym is now my escapades when I am in a bad mood. It is also the place where I get some mental clarity to solve my problem. Just like how coffee helped me, gym works like a charm to alter my mood.

I am very much looking forward to next month and I wondered what the challenge would be for the next one.