17 answers
17
Asked 956 views

How to stay healthy while abroad?

While in the states I was able to work out for free at my University's Gym. Unfortunately, there is no free gym where I am studying abroad. Should I dish out the money for a gym? Take up running? Pay for individual yoga classes? Thoughts?

#study-abroad #gym #health #college #travel #madrid #help

help health travel study-abroad gym madrid
Thank you comment icon ClassPass might be an option for Free on-demand workout videos. www.classpass.com Gen Barron
Answer This

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you
17

17 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Sunitha’s Answer

Travelling is medicine for the soul, but as anyone who’s caught the wanderlust bug knows, it’s not always glamorous. Many grand adventures, especially when venturing off-the-beaten-path come with their fair share of bumps, bruises, germs and stresses. It can be tempting to feel overwhelmed and intimidated by the idea of leaving life’s comforts at home. But thankfully, wellness travel is the future! To help keep your mind, body and spirit in full working order, we’ve collected advice from some expert backpackers on how to stay healthy while travelling:

1. Embrace the art of travel yoga
2. Hiking is the best travel workout
3. Indulge in a natural mud bath
4. Be open to spiritual travel
5. Time for a digital detox?
6. You’ve GOTTA get enough sleep
7. Indulge a little
8. Learn how to eat healthy while travelling
9. Routine. Routine. Routine.
10. Stay hydrated
11. Always drink responsibly
12. Pace yourself
13. Workout while traveling
14. Walk as much as you can
15. Learn to love yourself
16. Open your mind and heart
17. Don’t forget your fibre
18. Keep reading and learning
19. Kill those germs
20. Fresh air is the best air
21. Alone time can be incredible
22. Pack lighter than you think you need to
23. Write
24. Learn some basic meditation techniques
25. Secure your home relationships
26. Study basic first aid
27. Safety first
28. Listen to other travelers
29. Embrace the light
30. Coconut oil is your friend
31. Steam
32. Be creative
33. Learn to sleep whenever/wherever you can
34. Go vegan
35. Invest in travel insurance
36. Protect your skin
37. Wrap it up
38. See a doctor first
39. Take your vitamins
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Richard’s Answer

Transitioning to living abroad can be stressful. Speaking from experience having studied abroad in Tokyo Japan for 7 months. I got very sick with a cold as well as a random blister on my foot. Probably from the change in temperature being from San Francisco I have never experienced severe cold / snow which was something that caught me off guard. Prior to living in Japan I have never experienced snow. I highly recommend taking a close look at the environment you are going to and prepare your wardrobe.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Hao’s Answer

I think it depends on a few factors such as time, convenience, and environment. If you have the money for it, getting a gym membership will allow you to have a consistent environment and access to equipment to make working out easier (depending on the gym).

For resistance training, if you don't have the means to pay for a gym membership, you can buy some resistance bands. They have them at sports stores or online. You'll need to be creative with your environment. For example, if you have a stairwells near you, you can use them to wrap the bands and perform all sort of exercises. But this is harder if you only have something like a chair or table to wrap the bands. It really depends on the environment near you. You can also try doing body weight exercises - there's a lot of examples of them online which makes it super easy to set up a routine.

For cardio, you can always go run, biking, swimming, jump rope, etc. A lot more options here.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Paul’s Answer

I think it depends upon your financial situation. Are you working part-time to help pay tuition and other expenses? Can you afford the extra cost of a gym or yoga membership? If you think you can reasonably afford it go ahead. I had a gym membership when I was in school because the one at the college I attended was small, crowded and wasn't well maintained. I had a part-time job so staying on top of the dues wasn't a problem.

If you decide to get a membership, see if they offer special rates for college students. They may also allow you to sign a month-to-month or short-term contract instead of making a yearly commitment. This will benefit you when school is out at the end of the semester and you come back home.

If you don't think you can commit to monthly dues then purchase some dumbells or kettlebells and work out on your own in your dorm room. Like you mentioned, you could take up running and/or do bodyweight exercises too.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Jared’s Answer

It is very important to carve some time out of your busy schedule while abroad for yourself, whether it is by walking/running around and exploring your new surroundings. Personally, I enjoyed the mental relaxation that sitting and people watching provided to me, especially in a big city where you can observe people from all walks of life. From an exercise POV, apps like Strava and Nike Run are excellent for keeping yourself honest and committed to trying to stay in shape.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Dheeraj’s Answer

It's not always possible to hit the gym. So, my personal preference has always been to do bodyweight training which could include Yoga, Crossfit which can be done on a mat.
Nowadays, there are so many apps available on the play store/app store which can also guide while doing these workouts which can be customized based on the time available and for specific body parts as per the requirement.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Samantha’s Answer

Hi Anjali,

Drink 4 times more water than you think you need to, take vitamins and supplements.
Eat breakfast every morning (Local honey is the best) Stretch and meditate/Yoga, limit alcohol consumption and enjoy :)

Sam
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

MOHAMMED’s Answer

hi
i found this one maybe it's something that you can have a look at it

https://passportsymphony.com/how-to-stay-healthy-while-traveling/

kindly
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Jo Ann’s Answer

I personally love and use this website called www.fitnessblender.com . They have tons of free workout videos that you can follow along in the comforts of your room. You also mentioned running - I'd add walking which is another great option to stay fit! Also, if you're able to cook your own meals, then that would be much healthier than ordering takeouts.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Glenda’s Answer

Quote Andy Lawson: Hydration drink lots of water, fresh air walk outside, avoid late night eating and drinking too much caffeine. Embrace your new surroundings and enjoy meeting new people!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Charlotte(Carly)’s Answer

Hi Anjali,

Great question! If you find you can get out and run or cycle it is a great and free way to exercise, with plenty of local groups you can look at joining and meeting new people. Also check to see if there are any student deals for joining up to Yoga Classes or Gym Pass's - if that fails, invest in a few weights and look up exercise routines on youtube - there are great online resources to guide you that you can do indoors and outdoors!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Mark’s Answer

You can make a home made gym out of anything. I would youtube non gym exercises. Also find what park is near you and also if there are any cheap bootcamp groups that you can join or running clubs in the evening. This will help build your network and keep you fit. Best of luck!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Surabhi’s Answer

Hi Anjali,

Its great that you are careful about your health.

I think you can always take up the free online yoga classes available on the most popular platform youtube. You can also go for early morning running.

Apart from it, please try to avoid fat food and rely more on drinking lot of water and fruits.

Thanks,
Surabhi
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Dr. Jackie’s Answer

Spain has a ton of free wellness classes in general compared to other European countries. Check sites like event brite

https://www.eventbrite.com/d/spain--madrid/free-yoga/?page=1

A lot of places in Madrid offer discounts with student I.D.s make sure to ask other local students where they go to stay healthy and well that also give student discounts.

You can always use various free access workout channels on YouTube. POPSUGAR Fitness is a popular channel so the ones listed below.

https://icecreamapps.com/blog/top-10-youtube-workout-channels-men/

Good luck!

Dr. Jackie recommends the following next steps:

Check out various Youtube Fitness Channels
Ask other students for places that give discounts with student I.D.s
Check out eventbrite for local free classes of call kinds from cooking to working out.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Sangameshwar’s Answer

As a student studying abroad is most spend less but to keep your self healthy and fit, have a balanced diet and do routine exercise. If you don't have free GYM, then suggest for Yoga / Jogging. For yoga, there is a log of the class online on youtube which is free. Select on few online free session and in few days you will do it on your own. Stop eating stuff that are not good for health and drink plenty of water and keep your self busy.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Fiona’s Answer

Any time I travel, my trick is to have a good breakfast and stay hydrated. Then you are set up for the day.
Walking and running are a great way to get to know a new place. This can also be helpful to meet new people as you can usually find groups online for people with similar interests.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Rohit’s Answer

DRINK 4 TIMES MORE WATER THAN YOU THINK YOU NEED TO
GET PLENTY OF SLEEP.
TAKE VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS
EAT BREAKFAST AND PACE YOURSELF.
LIMIT ALCOHOL AND SUGAR CONSUMPTION.
PACK A SMALL FIRST-AID KIT.
0