Fit and well on the road

[Patricia D.]

How do you keep up with fitness routines on the road?
Now that my trailer reno is moving along, I am daring to think that I may actually get on the road at some point and to think about what traveling is going to look like for me.
Besides walking, I have a daily routine of exercises that I do to keep limber, heal minor issues and help prevent more serious ones. Clearly I won't be able to do them in my 13 foot trailer so will need to do them outside.
I would love to hear what others do in campground situations and when traveling from place to place.

[John in Michigan]

On long trips (5-6 weeks) we've done a LOT of walking and hiking. At least 5 or 6 miles per day.

[BatDude]

Ditto John in Mich.

Among the many tracking devices, we have the Fitbit Charge HR that keeps track of steps and distance (once calibrated) and keeps track of your resting heart rate.

My wife average 5 miles per day. Depending on what work I am doing, I walk or bike many times per week.

A tracker kinda keeps you honest and will remind you when you are slacking.

Hmm, my "Spill Chicker" did not catch RAOD in the subject line and no way to edit that.

[Patricia D.]

I feel that I have the walking pretty well covered but am looking for how others who have regular exercise routines like back exercises, stretches,yoga etc. find ways and places to fit those in when on the road. In the past, if I was in sparsely populated campground, I would just do them by my van. But in busier ones I am much less comfortable doing that.
Any ideas?

[tinanauman]

I am a solo full time female traveler in a 17' Casita who has been grounded for awhile. I am 66 and is (was) very healthy and travel alone with a cat. I've gotten myself set up with solar panels so I can boondock rather than stay in established campgrounds. I'm okay being far away from civilization and even cell service.

Pay attention to what your body is telling you and don't make excuses. Know how and when you need to get help.

I am rehabbing from blood clots that went to my lungs and spleen and put me in Congestive Heart Failure while at a primitive campground in Michigan with no cell service. I had to drive myself 50 miles to a hospital where I was transferred by ambulance to another hospital leaving my cat, Casita and car stranded in the parking lot. Luckily a security guard became my angel and took care of her for 4 days. I am now in KY in my brother's backyard recuperating and seeing specialists and waiting for cardioversion to get me out of Afib. I was told I was in imminent danger of a stroke or heart attack. I have been diagnosed with a low level leukemia that caused all the problems but should be able to get back on the road once my heart is healthy again-hopefully within 2 months. I am lucky to be alive and not incapacitated by a stroke.

When we've been healthy all of our lives it is easy to ignore and make excuses for our aches and pains.

MOVE! Get the Fitbit, if you need to, and have it remind you to walk at least 250 steps every hour. No long drives without taking walks. Then aim for the 10,000 steps, 5 miles or whatever is a reasonable goal. Eat well and do other exercise. And have an emergency plan in place if/when a mild or serious illness or injury happens. Carry emergency contact papers and health directives with you where they can be found by anyone - so multiple copies in car and camper in obvious locations. Consider whether it is wise to be isolated with no cell service if you are alone.

I never thought it could happen to me and I think a lot of us have that thought process.

[FishingBob]

Many back exercises can - maybe even should - be done on the bed before getting up. And many people do something like yoga or tai-chi as a way to greet the day, outside. If you feel too self-conscious to plop a mat down next to your trailer: a) get over it? Fellow campers would probably just think "good for her"; b) get a screen room. Some have full panels that can be zipped in, but even if not, there's a certain sense of privacy, and after the workout, there's privacy from mosquitos.

[Ruth C.]

I'm pretty sure I've seen people weight lifting and definitely doing yoga stretches near their trailers, probably under their awnings. I obviously didn't think twice about it, other than maybe thinking I should be doing that (as I took another bite of my Rocky Road ice cream cone).
Just do it!

[FishingBob]

OK, how do you keep ice cream in the Trillium?

[Sid]

I lost about 40 pounds last year and have managed to keep it off and the increased metabolism up in spite of a lot of work travel.
Resistance bands travel well as does a jump rope. Add to that body weight exercises like push-ups if you are able.
Limiting or avoiding alcohol also helps.

[John in Michigan]

Yes, we're able fit a quart of ice cream (I think) into our Trillium freezer. The freezer stays way below freezing even when the fridge compartment temp is bouncing up and down.

EDIT: And we have no trouble keeping weight off while traveling with the Trillium. Its small so we're much less likely to hang out in the camper during the day. Lots of walking and we'll probably take either kayaks or bicycles the next time we travel.

[floyd]

Use a screen room or a tent, even a sunshield on your awning.
That would give you just enough privacy without looking like you are hiding.
Use the picnic table for a prop for stretches and other exercises.
Lastly, don't be concerned about being seen, anyone who sees you will understand or at least they will envy your efforts. Most of them will be out walking anyway!
Actually riding a bike with in a proper position and fit will work just about every muscle group.

OR...
Fake them out...
How about picking up the same piece of firewood over and over, from different positions... knee bends, cross toe touches, left right and center bends. Using the same piece of firewood as a dumbbell you can work your waist, arms, and shoulders.
If it is cold out or you wish to rush your routine you could even light it on fire!

[floyd]

One point about being fit and well on the road...
When traveling down the road we often sit for hours without moving in our car seats. This can be unhealthy or even dangerous, especially for older folks who may have circulatory problems in our extremities.

When on the road we make a habit to "bicycle in place" for 10 or 15 seconds about every hour or so and to get out of the TV at least at every fuel stop and walk around for at least 5 minutes.

Ever get out of the car and feel like you've aged 20 years for the first 20 steps? This can help.

[War Eagle]

Patricia, We know a couple who set up a CLAM shelter at their campsite (with wind panels for privacy) primarily for their morning and evening stretching, exercises and yoga, and then it's there for customary events like eating meals, entertaining guests, etc.
https://www.amazon.com/Clam-Corporat.../dp/B00E3LF7FK
We have one, the larger 6-panel in green, and one person can set it up and take it back down quickly and easily once you get the hang of it, even in light windy conditions. There is also the smaller 4-panel one, and I believe both come in a desert tan, as well as green. Best of luck.... Dale