5 Favorite Ways to Stay Fit While Traveling

Part of the fun of traveling is experiencing the local cultures and flavors without having to hold back.  But all those pasteis de Belem in Portugal, empanadas in Argentina and local beer... everywhere, makes it tough to fit into those jeans you packed.  Bottom line:  Trying local food and drink is necessary, not naughty!

But with limited time in new and exciting places, even a fitness lover doesn't want to spend the afternoon in a hotel gym.  So I've put together some of my favorite ways to stay active while traveling that are fun, easy and cultural!  Let me know what you think!

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1)  Active Tours

Visiting a new city definitely doesn't mean you have to jump on a big red bus to see the sites.  My favorite way to explore is to get moving and take on the sites, smells and sounds of my surroundings - particularly on foot (mine or an animal's) or by bike.  Some of my favorites:

• Biking through Music City:  Green Fleet Bike Tours in Nashville, TN
• Riding through olive groves in Greece:  Horseback Riding Tour in Crete, Greece
• Free walking tours:  Feel the City tours in over Seville and Granada, Spain

2)  Local Sports

We've all heard the saying 'do as the locals do', but I prefer 'play what the locals play'.  Must try:

• Polo in Argentina:  I can't say enough about Estani and his team at El Rincon del Polo Club outside of Buenos Aires, Argentina.  With pick up, drop off, a traditional 'asado' BBQ lunch, and extensive polo training on and off your mount included, you really can't go wrong here.
• Gaelic Games in Ireland:  I haven't done this yet, but Experience Gaelic Games in Dublin gives tourists a cultural and physical introduction to local sports like hurling, Gaelic football and handball.

3)  Bike Share

Thousands of bicycles are emerging in major cities across the globe to help ease commuter traffic, encourage people to get active, and give tourists and locals an easy and affordable way to get around.  While many big cities now have a bike share program, these are some of my favorites that make exploring so much easier (and healthier!):

• NYC's Citi Bikes
• Montreal's Bixi Bikes
• Valencia's Valenbisi

4)  Exercise Apps

It's 2014 and working out no longer requires a gym membership - which is great for the travelers out there. These are some of my favorite fitness apps that keep me motivated on the road:

• Nike Training Club
• Nike+
• 7 Minutes
• Sworkit

5)  Keep Up Your Hobby

Just because you're out of your neighborhood doesn't mean there isn't yoga, boxing or tennis where you travel.  Even if you are trying to be a free-spirited non-planner, it is okay to get online to look up classes or studios - or even ask the locals.  Yelp and TripAdvisor are also great resources even if you are out of the States.

For me, I try to go horseback riding wherever I travel.  I love riding and it is a great way to explore the countryside of many cities I visit.  

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Adapted from original post on StacyTakesFlight.com, by Stacy (co-founder of Ketanga Fitness Retreats)