Vanlife & Fitness – How to Train During a Road Trip?
Introduction
Crossfit was our ritual: we committed to it 5 times a week when we led a sedentary lifestyle. Waking up at 6:30 in the morning, we started our fasting workout at 7:15, followed by our daily jobs. However, after a year of road-tripping, the thought of returning to this regimen felt almost alien to us. But make no mistake, the journey taught us to adapt!
In this article, discover how we manage to maintain our fitness routine while traveling. We’ll discuss the significance of working out during vanlife, the essential equipment and accessories for our sessions, the apps and online videos that guide us, and of course, our revamped workout routine.
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The Benefits of Physical Training
Imagine being a Digital Nomad in an RV, traveling the world, always on the move! Yet, sometimes feeling more stationary than someone living in a house… Surprising, isn’t it?
On days not dedicated to work, freedom is ours: walks, hikes, urban explorations, bike rides. In such scenarios, physical activity naturally becomes a part of our daily life, provided, of course, we don’t just lounge on the couch.
But for a digital nomad, work is an undeniable reality, just like a regular employee or an entrepreneur. Days aren’t just about leisurely strolls. During these times, without a dedicated workout session, our activity – like the well-known 10,000 steps recommendation – dwindles significantly.
Think about it: living in a 108 square feet space on a rainy workday. If you covered 164 feet, that would be noteworthy. Most of the time is spent… sitting. And let’s be honest, not always in the utmost comfort! After several days of inactivity (say, due to consecutive rainy days), the body reacts: stiffness, aches, discomfort.
Let’s not forget that our bodies are designed for movement.
A bit of exercise, and some chronic pains, like backaches, can lessen or even vanish. Moreover, physical exertion also contributes to mental well-being. Spending 24/7 with a partner in a confined space can lead to tensions. A good workout session often proves to be a lifesaver, helping to release stress and regain some peace.
Beyond all this, once exercise becomes a staple in our routine (or even a cherished habit), it turns into a valuable time for oneself.
VanLife Sports Activities
As you often hear – whether on French TV or in advertisements – the saying remains the same:
For good health, one must eat well and move regularly.
So, whenever the opportunity arises, we seize the chance to get active. If our destination is just around the corner, we opt for walking. For longer distances, our trusty bicycle comes into play. In fact, it’s our sole mode of transportation when Edouard, our RV, takes a break. When we’re near major urban areas, wisdom dictates that we park our mobile home in a safe spot (like a service area or a campground) and delve into the urban depths by bike.
In the heart of Mother Nature, the pattern is similar. A hike becomes an open door to reconnect with the environment and discover enchanting hideaways, precisely what we sought in choosing this lifestyle!
However, even when immersed in the beauty of nature or cities, there are those days without excursions, where working out is essential. And for those moments, having basic equipment is a must.
RoadTrip Workout Equipment
Being avid Crossfit enthusiasts, we already had a certain workout routine in mind. This discipline provided us with a strong foundation in terms of postures and movements to minimize the risk of injuries (let’s knock on wood!). It also gave us an understanding of the essential equipment needed to maintain optimal physical fitness daily, without necessarily aiming for a massive physique.
However, living in an RV comes with space and weight constraints. It was unthinkable to bring along our 20-kilogram (44-pound) weightlifting bar, not to mention the accompanying weights. Considering 70 kilograms (154 pounds) of equipment was not only a matter of space but also how the weight was distributed in our vehicle.
So, how do we maintain variety in our workouts while staying practical? Here’s our thoughtful selection for versatile training on the road:
The Weighted Vest from 13.2 to 22 Pounds
One of the best methods to gradually intensify your workouts is to adopt a weighted vest. Once worn (even if it gives that slight compression feel), it doesn’t compromise your movement freedom at all. However, a word of caution: I strongly advise against jumping exercises with it to protect your joints.
While some vests come with a fixed weight, we chose a specific model from Decathlon. I must say, this find is simply brilliant. For a modest amount of £50 (or around $65), this vest is almost on par with the quality of models you’d find in a Crossfit gym, which range between £150-£200 (or around $195-$260). Initially, the vest weighs 6 kilograms (13.2 pounds), but it offers the option to add up to 4 plates of 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) each, reaching a total of 10 kilograms (22 pounds). And a little bonus: the plates are included!
Adjustable and sturdy, the velcro straps have held up after a year of intensive use. Without a doubt, this weighted vest stands out as the must-have accessory for any nomadic training. A “heavyweight” recommendation for vanlife!
Vanlife Compatible?
A 52.9-pound Kettlebell
The Kettlebell, straight from Russia, is a rather unique strength training equipment. Imagine a cast iron ball topped with a handle. Its distinctive design allows for a multitude of possible exercises. Take the Kettlebell Swing, for instance: this movement is a real boon for toning the entire posterior chain. To target your legs, the goblet squat with the Kettlebell is an excellent choice.
Our beloved kettlebell weighs in at 24 kilograms (52.9 pounds). It’s undoubtedly the behemoth of our equipment. But don’t be mistaken, it’s perfect for boosting power, refining grip, and… getting rid of any overly audacious spider (and by “audacious,” I mean “measuring more than 1mm”).
Finding a quality kettlebell can be quite the challenge. Between the ideal handle size, unbeatable durability, and reasonable shipping costs, the choice can be tricky. But good news! After extensive research, we found a brand on Amazon that offers great value for money.
The price for this 24-kilogram (52.9-pound) giant, including delivery? Only £90 (or around $117). A golden deal for a cast iron ally!
Vanlife Compatible?
Dumbbells (1x 33 pounds and 2x 4.4 pounds each)
Dumbbells: small in size, but mighty in essence! They are the perfect companion for our less intense WODs (Workout Of the Day). With a 15-kilogram (33-pound) dumbbell, we have a versatile tool for both of us. And if we’re looking to spice up the challenge, just add the weighted vest to up the ante.
This 15-kilogram (33-pound) dumbbell is the ideal partner for exercises like lunges with an overhead weight lift. And between us, a solid one-piece dumbbell is much more convenient than those adjustable versions where you constantly have to change the weights.
But wait, that’s not the only heavyweight in our arsenal! Caroline, on the other hand, relies on two small 2-kilogram (4.4-pound) dumbbells each. Perfect for adding some zest to her video sessions or going all out during cardio-focused WODs. In short, with these three dumbbells, we’ve got all bases covered!
Vanlife Compatible?
Fitness Resistance Bands
Resistance bands… A name that might sound gentle to the ear, but don’t be fooled: they probably have the best weight-to-strength ratio of all our equipment. The advantage of resistance bands? They provide resistance during your movements, acting as “weight simulators.”
But here’s the nuance with bands: while a fixed weight, like a dumbbell, maintains its constant load throughout the exercise, a band’s difficulty increases as you stretch it. It’s this progressive tension that uniquely sculpts muscles.
Another benefit not to overlook: in certain situations, the band can even assist in the movement. Take pull-ups as an example: if they seem challenging, a resistance band can become your best ally to aid in the upward motion.
In our arsenal, we have two types of bands: those without handles and others with a handle kit. The latter are ideal for pulling exercises or those simulating a pulley.
If you’re looking for lightweight, compact, and affordable equipment, resistance bands are the go-to choice. They combine efficiency, versatility, and economy, all with astonishing simplicity. A must-have for any athletic van-lifer!
Jump Rope
Who would have thought that a childhood game would transform into one of the most effective tools for boosting cardio? Ah, the jump rope! Simple, yet formidable. In just a few minutes, it elevates the heart rate, giving the heart a real workout. Whether it’s to warm up the muscles before an intense training session or as the main star of a WOD, it never disappoints.
Our favorite pick is the so-called “speed” jump ropes. Why, you might ask? Because they allow for the execution of the famous “double under” a move beloved by CrossFit enthusiasts. Picture this: in a single jump, the rope doesn’t pass under your feet once, but TWICE. A technique that, trust me, accelerates the heart rate even faster.
To get a quality rope, expect a small investment of at least £30 (or around $39). And remember: this is the kind of tool that, if chosen well, will last you years while engaging every fiber of your body. A smart investment for a healthy heart and a toned silhouette!
Vanlife Compatible?
Yoga Mat
For ground exercises, stretching, abs, and video sessions, a small exercise mat, also known as a yoga mat, is perfect for working out without shoes and avoiding sometimes rocky terrains.
The course of the session: an hour to transcend oneself.
One hour. That’s the window we give ourselves to work out. At first glance, it might seem short. But when every minute is optimized to maximize effort, it’s more than enough to achieve significant results.
Step 1: Warm-up and Mobility (10-15 minutes)
The key to avoiding injuries? A meticulous warm-up.
During the initial moments of the session, we prioritize mobility. Every joint is engaged, from the tips of our toes to the top of our heads. Ankles, knees, hips, wrists, elbows, neck, shoulders… nothing is overlooked. By stretching our bodies, we prepare ourselves to tackle the upcoming exercises while minimizing risks.
Step 2: Targeted Training (35-40 minutes)
- For Caro: She draws inspiration from workout videos by Stormette or Sissy Mua, both well-known figures in the fitness world. However, she enjoys mixing things up and regularly incorporates Wods and strength training sessions to diversify her workouts.
- For me: After the essential warm-up, I dive into two EMOM (Every Minute On the Minute) sequences, each lasting 10 minutes. One targets the lower body, and the other focuses on the upper body. These sequences involve performing a set of exercises every minute for ten minutes. Here are some examples: 14 lunges with a weighted vest + 15kg (33-pound) dumbbell in Overhead, followed by 6 hang snatches 10 push-ups followed by 10 pulls 10 goblet squats with the 24-kilogram (52.9-pound) kettlebell, then 2 clean and jerks with the same kettlebell 10 Kettlebell Swings at 24 kilograms (52.9 pounds).
Each week, I vary the number of repetitions to introduce cycles of varying intensity.
Step 3: Technology Serving the Workout (5 minutes)
To make each session unique and engaging, I use the Smart Wod and Wod Roulette apps. These tools allow me to generate random Wods, considering the equipment I have on hand. A clever way to break the routine! These applications join other apps that we use daily in vanlife.
In short, each session is a blend of effort, precision, and enjoyment. A winning combination for peak physical condition and optimal well-being!
Conclusion
Each workout session is an opportunity to discover a new place, to feel the earth differently beneath our feet, the wind on our face. These special moments, where we challenge our own limits while being in harmony with nature, are priceless.
Choosing the VanLife lifestyle comes with sacrifices, but the ability to train in stunning natural settings, to feel this freedom of movement, and to live on our own terms, more than compensates for moments of doubt or daily challenges.
For those considering life on the road or just a few weeks’ getaway, we can’t recommend enough bringing along a workout kit. Compact and cost-effective compared to the benefits it offers, it’s the ideal companion for anyone wanting to maintain an active lifestyle, wherever they may be.
In conclusion, for us, VanLife and exercise are inseparable. Together, they provide a unique experience, filled with discoveries, well-being, and adventures. A constant invitation to push one’s boundaries and marvel at the world’s beauty.
