How to Lift Weights While Traveling

As much fun as it can be, traveling can really cramp your style, especially for people who are used to putting in several hours a week at the gym. Many serious weightlifters simply cringe at the idea of being deprived of their workouts for a whole week, let alone two. However, you can have your vacation and eat it too. Though making do in a hotel room or hostel isn't quite the same as spending quality time with your favorite resistance machine, it can certainly keep the blood flowing and pump you up enough so that you don't feel quite so creaky when you get back to it (not to mention grumpy while you're away).

Here's how you do it.

If you are backpacking for a couple of weeks, you're going to get some work simply by carrying your belongings on your back. In order to get the most out of your trip, workout wise, you should do the exact opposite of what every other backpacker in the world tries to do - you should carry lots of weight. Of course, you can't carry around the same amount that you squat in the gym, especially if you're a power lifter, but you can carry enough to give you a bit of a workout. Most travelers try to keep their bags under 20 pounds. You may want to try carrying around as much as 50, but that's only if you have practiced with it and know that you can handle it. Otherwise, you will be simply miserable.

Whether you're backpacking or not, a backpack designed to carry books can make a wonderful "dumbbell" for curling exercises. If your hand is small enough, use the loop at the top as a grip. If not, you can use one of the back straps. Books make ideal weights, and will get through airport security without worrying anyone, whereas actual weights may set off a few alarms. You can also strap that pack of books on your back for squats or calf raises.

Of course, this technique works best for people who don't tend to lift hundreds of pounds. It's difficult for a large guy who lifts tons of weights to carry along enough and still travel comfortably. But for someone who doesn't tend to lift that incredibly much, curling a few books while on vacation can be an inexpensive alternative to trying to grab a workout at a gym in every city they visit.

Here are a few other things you can do to keep fit while on the road:

- Push ups. Use your own body weight to work your chest, shoulders and arms.

- Stairs. If you are staying in a hotel with lots of stairs, use them. You'd be surprised what an effective aerobic exercise this can be as well.

- Bunk pull ups. If you are staying in a hostel dorm with strong bunk beds, you may be able to use the frame for pull ups, which will help keep your biceps in shape.

- Yoga. It is highly portable.

Of course, you won't get the same type of workout that you are used to. You may have to go from a high-weight, low-rep routine to a low-weight, high-rep routine, but it's better than completely vegetating during your travels. And it will make getting back to your normal routine that much easier.