14 Easy Ways to Stay Fit as a Digital Nomad (That Won’t Make You Feel Like You’re Missing Out)
Ahhh, fitness and the digital nomad lifestyle. Why is it so hard to keep a consistent fitness routine? Well…because there are so many things to see and do and eat in every place you go, and everything is new and exciting and you don’t want to sacrifice all of that for some crusty old gym, do you?
Well, you don’t have to! Yes, gyms can be a good way to keep up a fitness routine, but let’s be realistic. Many gyms require commitment periods, and they take up a huge chunk of time between driving or walking there, doing the workout, and then going back home. I’m not discounting all gyms, but for most of us, well…we’d rather find other ways to keep in shape. I’ve got you covered though. Read on for easy ways to say fit as a digital nomad that won’t give you FOMO!
Yours truly at the top of James Peak in Colorado, where the wind blew my scarf in my face.
Incorporate fitness naturally
Make your fitness routine work with you, not against you. The best way to do that is to try to incorporate it seamlessly into your routine. Here are a few ways:
1. Go hiking
If you’re in a mountainous area, this is a no-brainer. It’s the best way to stay fit and explore your surroundings. No matter the topography, there are likely trails, parks, or nature preserves near you. Get hiking.
2. Go for a walk
You’ve gotta explore your new city! Walk to your coffee shops, grocery stores, and other daily activities, as long as you feel safe. Walk the 2 miles to that new restaurant rather than Uber there. Try to walk to at least one place per day. If you have a dog, you’re already doing this!
3. Take a bike ride
Too far to walk? Pedal! If you don’t have a bike–I don’t–many cities have rentals (and greenways!)
4. Got a dog? Pick a dog-friendly destination and walk there!
Chances are, your dog needs a walk. Mine always does, anyway. A great way to get your dog walked and get exercise for you is to pick a dog-friendly coffee shop, bar, or restaurant (or dog park, I guess) and go for a walk. It will be good for the both of you.
5. Do that adventurous thing you’ve always wanted to try
Kayaking? Paddle boarding? Rock climbing? It all burns calories and can be fun!
Try something weird: Unconventional Fitness Routines for Digital Nomads
6. Dog walking
Don’t have a dog? Sign up to be a dog walker on Rover or another service. Get extra cash while you exercise and make new puppy friends.
7. Take an active tour
Hey, you’re in your destination to explore, right? So explore, but make it fitness! Go on a walking tour instead of a bus tour. Rather than ride an airboat, why not take a kayaking tour? Rather than walk on the bayou, why not sign up for rowing lessons? There are so many creative options that will burn lots of calories!
8. Lift canned goods and water bottles
No weights? No problem. Use whatever you have around your place and make it work! Do higher reps, more sets, or add a pause to your reps. You can feel the burn with anything–you just have to get creative.
Go the Studio/Gym Route (if you want to!)
Sometimes a gym or fitness studio will be what holds you accountable. It’s important not to force it though–that will lead to burnout. Here are my favorite options:
9. Try Classpass
If you crave variety in your fitness routines, Classpass may be for you. You can use it in just about any city, and it’s good for all different types of workouts so you’ll never get bored.
10. Good ol’ Planet Fitness
I resisted forever, but I finally joined the Planet. And bonus–if your shower breaks, or if you’re staying at a place without one, you’ll have one here. The monthly cost is low enough that I don’t feel guilty if I don’t go for a month. Plus, they’re nationwide and international, and the hydro massage beds are to die for.
Work (out) from home
Home workouts can be a great option! Here are some ideas:
11. 9RoundNOW
This is the best streaming home workout I’ve ever done. In my pre-nomad days, I was a member at my local 9Round studio, and the home workouts are damn near just as good. You don’t need any equipment, but if you have wrist weights, you can use those.
12. Get some booty bands
They easily fit in a suitcase and can be used for all sorts of strength training, not just for legs.
13. Get A personal trainer
You can get a virtual personal trainer! Riley at Digital Nomad Fitness is a trainer specifically for digital nomads. She understands the FOMO and unusual schedules. She gets it!
14. Yoga
You can do yoga anywhere! In the park, on the beach. I travel with a yoga mat, and I’d recommend it if you like doing home workouts and have the space. I really love Yoga by Adriene.
General tips for success in keeping fit as a digital nomad
Don’t force it. If you can’t get that workout in between work and your after-work plans, don’t worry. The last thing you want to do is burn yourself out.
Slow down. Some of the FOMO can be fixed by knowing you’re staying in a place longer. The longer you stay, the more it feels like “home,” and you’ll get into a daily routine, including fitness, more easily. Luckily, one of the best things about nomadic life is that you set the pace!
Give yourself grace. No one’s perfect. If you decide to have that second daiquiri after all, there’s no use in feeling guilty over it.
Pick the healthier option. Even in places known for their food, like New Orleans, there are healthier options. Seafood is usually a good bet. For example, crawfish is super high in protein and low in calories and fat.
Go easy on the alcohol. If you do indulge, stay away from the sugary drinks. Go for the shots or the clear liquors. Gets the job done faster anyway.
Final thoughts on staying fit as a digital nomad
Staying fit can be a challenging part of digital nomad life, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to find ways to make your fitness routine work with you, not against you and to strike a balance between over-indulging and not over-indulging. Ultimately, you have to hold yourself accountable while also giving yourself grace.
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