6 Ways to Stay Healthy While Traveling Abroad

Looking back, it’s crazy how I became more active, even before coming abroad. I didn’t start going to the gym on a serious level until college. During my school days, I hated exercising and playing basketball all because people told I should due to my height. Not sure what changed. It could be due to seeing other black people caring about their health or a family member catching preventable health problems like High Blood Pressure or Diabetes. Living abroad, no matter where what country you live in, one should never forget about staying healthy. Now I’m not a professional trainer or health expert or any kind, but for my black expats, you can get healthy by doing these activities. Yes it’s very obvious how to stay healthy but some people honestly don’t know. Especially when living in another country.

Gym

And here is obvious answer number one. But seriously, there are gyms that can be found in many countries especially Korea. While the size of the gyms can vary, the machine and free weights are universally the same.

Luckily for me the gym I go to is close to my apartment. I usually go around 6am get a good workout in and go to sleep before work. I noticed every time I would do an ab exercise, the locals would copy my movements.

Hiking

Living in Korea, you’ll go hiking at some point. Even the long term expats have been hiking at least once. It’s a great way to get some exercise and see some incredible views. Views that is always best to see in person than through social media. With the country surrounded by mountains, just pick a trail and get walking.

Biking

Admittedly I had a bike growing up but never used much. When I came to Korea and saw that a person could rent a bike for about a $1 a day, it peeked my curiosity. Also I was tired of riding the bus and considered buying a bike.

Luckily I got a good deal from a teacher who was leaving. Not only riding a bike can get you around faster, I’m able to save money on bus fare. Hell I plan to ride my bike in winter.

YouTube

Thanks to the internet, we have access to all sorts of information. And thanks to YouTube, there are hundreds of training exercises that can be found. One of my favorite health/nerd YouTubers JaxBlade has exercise videos based on a character. https://youtu.be/LA9fRWdmTC0

Saitama work out

Come on, the One Punch Man workout aka the Saitama workout had to make the list. It’s great for endurance and can be done at home……besides the 10km run.

Image result for saitama workout 'gif

Martial Arts

Living in Asia, you have to sign up for a Martial Arts class. It gets you a great workout, learn some self defense and have fun

While I did learn some Taekwondo at Winthrop University, I decided to try something new. I tried Muay Thai MAMA class. The class was tough but it was fun and I noticed some weight loss.

Anyone can stay healthy, whether at home or abroad, there is no excuse. The only person holding you back is you. So get out there and take care of your health no matter what.

What do you do to stay healthy abroad? Share your opinion in the comments section below.

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One Comment

  1. I enjoyed the blog. I workout intensely no matter where I go. I will be traveling to the Philippines, NY and Puerto Rico. All these places have gyms, beaches and great walking areas. Thank you. Staying healthy is so important.