WARNING!! Nothing in this post is based on any kind of research whatsoever. Nothing. It’s all based on my own observations. I’m not a doctor, not even close. Actually, my cousin is doctor, but he’s too busy healing people to proof my blog posts. And besides, this is a blog on the internet, how scientific could it be?
With all that said, I’ve found a large benefit to being physically in shape before traveling. I’m sure there are benefits to being spiritually and mentally fit before travels and I’m sure they are many. But you probably won’t find much of that in this post either. Another time…
I’ve had plenty of travels during my time on this planet in just about every form; foot, car, boat, plane, canoe, RV, hot air balloon, bike, etc… and as I prepare to travel 900 miles in a borrowed car for the mere fun of travel. Roadtrips have always been one of my favorite ways to travel and as my body ages, I’m learning a few things:
- I can’t live on Mt. Dew and beef jerky alone while on the road
- It’s really hard to drive for 15 hours straight if I don’t have a normal week of sleep
- I need good food, or at least good snacks
- I can no longer just ignore that head snapping, exhausted feeling and keep going.
- I need naps.
The most important of these is sleep and, as it turns out, being in shape. They kind of go hand in hand. It’s hard to really feel like working out if you’re exhausted due to lack of sleep. And it’s hard to get good sleep when you’re not in shape, I’ve found. While it looks like a catch 22 at first, it just takes a week of going for a brisk walk every day before the sleep benefits kick in.
Now here’s where we get all goofy with my non-scientific juju of the benefits I see from getting yourself in shape before a trip.
First, playing off the point above, you get better sleep! While you’re on the road, be it car, boat, plane or other, having ample sleep, whether that is 5,8 or 10 hours for you, while greatly benefit your immune system and keep it in top shape. Most people complain about catching a cough or cold or something during their flight to their favorite holiday destination when in fact they should be taking responsibility for their own lack of solid immune system in the first place. I know this is a broad, possibly inflammatory statement but how many that get sick while traveling ended up running themselves down a little or a lot in the week or two before the trip? It’s easy to do as we all tend to trade off sleep for getting things marked off the To Do list so we can finally relax on our trip. But if that’s the case, we’re better off spending a week at home, truly relaxing without having to get a thousand things done so we can leave town.
Second, well, it’s kinda part of the point above. Your immune system is allowed to work at its optimal level when you’re in shape. And when you’ve had enough sleep.
Third, you can lift heavy things! This may seem silly, but it’s not. Ok, not COMPLETELY silly. It all depends on how in shape you are, but if you’re making more of an effort to hit the gym on a regular basis, you’ll be better set to handle that 50lb suitcase that needs to be lugged up 4 flights of steps as the elevator is out, or the tangle of chairs, umbrella and beach toys as you walk 7 blocks to the sand and surf. Face it, when most of us vacation we do a bunch of things we don’t normally do in our everyday lives when traveling that are made easier by being in shape. Lifting, walking a mile to catch a bus, standing in line and on and on again.
Before your next trip, if you want to get the most out of it, I’d suggest getting yourself in shape as a means of both living healthier and for having more fun and relaxation when you want to get away from every day life. And your body, mind and spirit will thank you for it.
