No need to pay drop in fees at the gym while you’re on the road in your RV. With a few simple pieces of equipment you can continue your workouts in your RV, or outside at your site, if the weather’s favorable.
I brought some hand weights, resistance elastic, and a small ball along with us on our 30 day road trip we took in 2016. I also brought some pre-printed workouts that were RV-friendly.
The elastic I threw over the top of the bathroom door and put my hands through the handles. Pulling down with straight arms, I was able to do lat pulldowns. Pulling down with bent arms, I was able to work my triceps.
This elastic is a pretty versatile piece of exercise equipment. By sitting down, legs extended, and looping the elastic over the bottom of my shoes and pulling it towards me, I was able to work the back of my shoulders (seated row). Standing and stepping on the elastic, while holding the elastic in either hand, I was able to work the side of my legs by stepping sideways several times; e.g. step sideways in one direction 8 times, then back 8 times (which is one set) then do that 8 times total. (Not my favorite exercise).
Using the hand weights, I was able to do bicep curls and rotator cuff exercises. I was able to do squats and arm work simultaneously by holding the weights in either hand and raising my arms to the side, front, or back, at the same time as I performed the squat. Using no weights, or elastic, I lay on my side, legs extended, and did side leg lifts. Flipping over on to my front, and positioning myself such that my upper body was resting on my elbows, I was able to lift and lower my legs with bent knee to work my glutes. Simple wall push-ups or floor push-ups work the pec area.
Using the small ball, which can be purchased cheaply at a dollar store, I worked my lower abdominals by lying on my back, with my legs drawn toward me and feet on the floor. I placed the ball between my knees and squeezed the ball. Regular crunches work the side and middle abs.
I’d add in some walking, hiking or other cardio and the fitness bases were covered.
We can have long hours of driving from place to place. To combat stiffness from the extended sitting, I did what I termed “car aerobics”. I’m sure the other people on the road thought I’d lost it, but, in time to the music, I would move my arms out to the front, sideways, overhead, and I’d get my legs going too, moving them side to side or extending and pulling them towards me.
What are your favourite ways to stay fit while on a RV road trip?
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