4 Ways to Stay Active Away From Home

Plan ahead

Many hotels offer exercise facilities, so check beforehand. Incorporate your favourite sport into the trip: Rent bikes or go golfing or bowling. Bring a fitness DVD. And be sure to bring suitable clothing and footwear.

Use layovers and long flights

Walk briskly around the terminal between flights (stash your bags in airport lockers). On the plane, stretch and walk every hour—this decreases muscle aches, joint stiffness and swelling, and improves blood flow. And keep hydrated.

Take frequent driving breaks 

On car trips, stop often to get out and stretch. Walk around rest areas. Pump your arms to circulate your blood. Pinch your shoulder blades together and then relax them. When sitting in a vehicle, keep your knees as high as your hips to help with blood flow.

Make fitness a focus 

Consider making activity (such as hiking) the main event of your trip. And ask a travel agent about ecotourism.

This article was originally published in the December 2008 issue of Reader's Digest. Subscribe today and never miss an issue!