Getting Fit For Your Next Adventure

Like many Expedia Travellers, I’m a dreamer and an experience seeker. I get excited and inspired when I see those beautiful documentaries of rugged landscapes, harsh terrains and wild animals in their natural splendour. Every time I walk into an adventure outfitter store my heart skips a beat. Whether it’s tents pitched on the snow-capped north face ledge of Everest, trekkers hiking Machu Picchu or photographers in inflatable boats zooming in on whales, every image speaks the universal language of adventure and experience.

Amongst the daily grind and normality of everyday life it’s important for me that I keep that spirit of adventure alive. So that’s why I have a bucket list, and every time I see an adventure that excites me, I add it to the list. An adventure that has been on my list for over twenty years is the 17 day trek to Base Camp Mount Everest via Kathmandu, and I am excited to announce that in 2013 I finally got there.

Adventure travel demands a lot, both emotionally and physically, and that can be intimidating. I’d be lying if I didn’t say there is was a little part of me that was washed over with doubt every time I thought about my base camp trek. I second guessed myself about whether I had the experience, strength and fitness that a mountain of such high altitude demands. Over the years I’ve learnt to control the fear and I want to share with you how I plan and prepare for an adventure holiday that I know will demand the most out of me both physically and emotionally.

Dream big

Dream It… Plan It… Live It. I am a big believer that the dreams you set are the dreams you get. It’s said that with all big adventures, the greatest hurdle is getting past the limiting thoughts. Thinking big thoughts is the first strategy I use to empower myself to take action. By dreaming big and planning for success I alleviate the fear of the unknown, which leaves me with a sense of independence and self-confidence. Once I have set up a positive mind -frame I then know that I am ready to tackle the preparation of my adventure trip.

Perspective is everything

Getting ready for an adventure holiday requires you to get reasonably fit. Thinking about the three months ahead can be overwhelming, especially when considering the work it will take to get from where you are today to where you want to be in three month’s time. I personally like to look at it as a lifestyle choice rather than a strict and gruelling fitness regime.

When it comes to exercise, I listen to my body and understand that it needs time to adjust to the movement. I don’t force or punish it, initially I take it slow, and overtime my body tells me when it is ready to increase the tempo. My kitchen becomes my ashram, where I chose to eat foods that heal and repair my body.

When overhauling my diet and exercise, my focus is on respecting my body and doing everything I can to nourish it so that it has the strength and endurance to carry me through. It’s more about educating myself on what the nutritious food and exercise is doing to my body, and less about restricting my diet or becoming gym-obsessed.

Ministry of movement

Activity-based adventure holidays require a certain level of fitness, and going for a casual 20 minute stroll daily won’t cut the mustard. After I’ve initially eased myself into a fitness regime, I always feel my body wanting more. To make it fun I take the exercise outdoors. I go trail running, mountain biking, nature hiking and ocean kayaking, often with my camera so it becomes a photographic expedition as well.

For maximum performance I think about the muscles I’ll be using on my adventure and choose exercises that isolate those muscles. Squats and lunges are great for preparing for ski and snowboard holidays, walking stairs increases cardio fitness for trekking and swimming builds endurance for surf holidays. To keep my motivation running high and inspiration soaring, I occasionally love to change the backdrop of my exercise regime by taking short breaks to new cities and destinations. For a spontaneous, yet affordable weekend getaway check out the Expedia last minute deals.

Stay motivated

When inspired and properly motivated, you can achieve great success. I create a travel board where I pin pictures of my travel destination. I have it hung in my hallway so that each time I get up in the morning, the first thing I see is my board. This acts as a reminder and motivates me to not skip my morning workout. You can also create a travel board on pinterest or instagram. Or why not take a photo of your travel board and save it in your phone, as your Facebook header or in your diary.

Bottom line is that if you can dream it, then you can do it. Don’t let the fear of age or fitness level scare you off. With enough planning and motivation you can achieve any adventure trip that you set your mind on. Check out Expedia Holidays for a little inspiration for your next adventure holiday.