Exercise While Vacationing in Europe

munchy
munchy Posts: 10
edited September 20 in Fitness and Exercise
Hello all,

This summer I'm going to vacation in Europe for a month and I DO NOT WANT TO FALL OFF THE WAGON! Does anyone have suggestions as to how I should exercise while I'm there? I'm going to be staying in hostels and most don't have gyms there. So far I'm planning to bring resistance bands and a jump rope, but I can use all the advice I can get.

Replies

  • bksteve26
    bksteve26 Posts: 216 Member
    Just make sure that you are watching what you eat. The exercise will come from all the walking you will be doing. Trust me. In Europe, that's all you do is walk. Also...go dancing, do some extreme sports, dont waste your time in Europe in a gym. Go running and see some sights. You deserve it!
  • vicidoesstuff
    vicidoesstuff Posts: 214 Member
    That all depends how you plan on spending your time. If you want to go sight seeing, whether to mainstream places like museums and landmarks or to more personal places like the local bars or beaches or hills or whatever, then you'll be doings loads of walking. Walking is always good.
  • AlannaPie
    AlannaPie Posts: 349 Member
    I'm going to Ireland in Jul and I worry about the same thing. I plan on doing a lot of walking tours and stay as active as possible.
  • fietsdebbie
    fietsdebbie Posts: 37
    You will walk and walk and walk and walk while being a tourist in Europe. Portion sizes at restaurants in Europe are much more reasonable so that should help you too. Buy or bring a water bottle and keep it full. Europeans are not really into tap water but you can always bring your own. Rent a bike some place if you are tired of the walking. In Northern Europe most train stations rent bikes. Go for a hike in the alps / nearby countryside. Take your exercise routine outside and enjoy the different environment.
  • munchy
    munchy Posts: 10
    Thanks guys, this was helpful. Walking should keep me moving so I should be fine as long as I don't eat badly.
  • mwilson1018
    mwilson1018 Posts: 509 Member
    I agree with what the others have posted...you'll WALK WALK WALK!! I lived in Spain for 5 months while studying abroad, and I lost so much weight because I had to walk everywhere (while eating at McDs and Burger King....yes I know, awful, but it cured some of my homesickness:wink: ) If I needed to get groceries I had to walk to the store...then carry all of the bags home...that's a work out! I walked to school (a little over 3 miles there and back), to eat, to shop, anything. Of course when I came home I gained it all back and then some, buuuuut that's a different story! That's why I'm here on MFP now, lol :smile:

    Enjoy yourself - Europe is amazing!
  • kristinelw
    kristinelw Posts: 29
    Also, if you run you could also bring your running shoes. In general, there should be lots of possibilities to go for a run (after all, if you can walk some place, you can also run there ;) Where in Europe are you going?
  • munchy
    munchy Posts: 10
    You guys have made me feel a lot better about keeping fit while abroad. :)
  • munchy
    munchy Posts: 10
    We're starting in England (cheapest place to fly into) and working our way through Spain, France, Italy, and Germany. It's my first time out of the country so I'm super excited!
  • mwilson1018
    mwilson1018 Posts: 509 Member
    You'll have a great time! Life in Europe is so different than here - it's amazing to experience other places. I so wish I could go back soon!
  • Barneystinson
    Barneystinson Posts: 1,357 Member
    You'll be walking (or cycling) your rear end off :) - like everyone else has said.

    For food, you'll find smaller cafes serve good options. Europe (in most places) has an actual handle on real foods and proper serving sizes. Grocery stores also tend to have a lot of good options and there are more small veggie/fruit markets in most cities and small towns.

    Honestly, if I lived in Europe, I'd probably find it insanely easier to stay small. American food sucks.
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