Fitness Equipment For Travelers

When it comes to working out while traveling, it's best to stick with the lightest essentials.

When I travel, I like to pack lightly. I try to only bring the necessities. I have been know to over pack vegan snacks, but I figure that overpacking is better than not packing enough (especially when it comes to vegan snacks). When it comes to working out while traveling, I stick with the lightest essentials.

I decided to post a list of fitness equipment for travelers to show that you can still workout while traveling, and keep it light. Here are some of the items that I use - as well as some that are in my closet that I plan on eventually using.

You know how you buy exercise equipment that sits in the corner for awhile, or you use it for a few months and forget about it - I am guilty as charged.

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1. Valslide - Two oval shaped pads that are slippery smooth on one side with foam on the other side.  They are perfect for working out on carpet. If you have hard wood floors, or tile, there are slip-on booties available.  Valslide was designed to help you sculpt your body.  It is a great tool to workout your quads, butt, and thighs, while engaging your core muscles.  They are slim, light weight, and portable.

2. Tennis shoes - These are an obvious choice, but I thought I should mention them.  I went to New York recently, and was surprised at how many people had on uncomfortable shoes. I love to explore places that I visit by walking around - it is one of my favorite forms of exercise. Of course there's hiking too, but that's another category. Make sure to get light weight hiking boots. I have hiking boots that are about ten years old and they are too heavy for travel in my opinion. They now make hiking boots that are extremely light weight.

3. Yoga mat- Yoga is my go-to exercise of choice, besides walking.  There are travel yoga mats that are thin and light weight.  Yoga provides an all-over body workout that stretches, strengthens, and tones your body. You can work up a sweat with vinyasa yoga, because it provides a little cardio.  You could use a yoga mat for Pilates too.  If you don't know your routine by heart, there are yoga apps to follow along to.

4. Swimsuit - With all the hotels all over the world with indoor and outdoor pools, this is another obvious choice.  Swimming provides a good cardio workout while using many of your muscles.  Also, if you get in a walk or hike, a swimsuit is good to have for a dip in the hot tub to soothe aching muscles.

5. Resistance Bands - Resistance bands are light weight and provide an excellent resistant workout.  Bands can be used for arms and legs - so they provide an overall body workout.

6. Exercise Apps - There are many apps to choose from that lead you through a workout if you don't have set a routine.  There are apps for resistance training, cardio and yoga.

7. Jump Rope - A jump rope is not just for kids!  It is one of the lightest workout tools for a good cardio workout.

8. Music and Headphones - Music is nice to have while working out at a hotel gym, or walking around a park.  Studies have shown that certain music helps you to walk faster.  When I go for a walk, my ipod is with me most of the time.  I love to program a list of songs that rev me up for a power walk.

9.  Water Weights - They are lightweight until you fill them with water.  They are adjustable up to 16 lbs. and weigh only 24 oz. when collapsed.  This is the only item on the list I do not personally own, but after finding out about them, I may buy some for myself.

10.  Pedometer - Pedometers are small, so they don't take up much room in your suitcase.  You can keep track of how far you are trekking around a city.  The Omron has you track your stride before you use it.  I won it recently and have not tried it out yet.