{"id":2057,"date":"2023-03-09T17:32:21","date_gmt":"2023-03-09T17:32:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/?p=2057"},"modified":"2024-05-31T09:51:43","modified_gmt":"2024-05-31T09:51:43","slug":"staying-active-and-fit-while-living-abroad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/staying-active-and-fit-while-living-abroad\/","title":{"rendered":"Staying Active and Fit While Living Abroad"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Figuring out your goals, concocting a diet plan that&#8217;s more science than just salad, deciphering the workout routine alphabet soup, and, oh, finding the motivation to actually get off the couch \u2014 it&#8217;s a workout in itself. Now, imagine doing it all in a foreign country, where the local gym might as well be a hidden treasure, the local cuisine is a tantalizing maze, and the only familiar face at the gym is your own reflection in the weight room mirror. Yikes-worthy, undoubtedly, but I\u2019ve got some good news: you\u2019ve found the cheat sheet to it all.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The key to staying fit and active while living abroad is preparation. Define your goals, learn fitness basics, create a workout plan, and align your diet with your goals. Once that\u2019s taken care of, all you need to do is think of ways to speed up your progress and spice up your sweat sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But that\u2019s just a sneak peek; there\u2019s a whole lot more to staying active and fit in a foreign country, and I\u2019m about to walk you through every twist and turn. Let\u2019s get on with it, shall we?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_71 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/staying-active-and-fit-while-living-abroad\/#Setting_the_Foundation_for_Long-Term_Fitness_Success_Abroad\" title=\"Setting the Foundation for Long-Term Fitness Success Abroad\">Setting the Foundation for Long-Term Fitness Success Abroad<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/staying-active-and-fit-while-living-abroad\/#Figure_Out_Your_Fitness_Goals\" title=\"Figure Out Your Fitness Goal(s)\">Figure Out Your Fitness Goal(s)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/staying-active-and-fit-while-living-abroad\/#Get_Acquainted_With_Fitness_Basics\" title=\"Get Acquainted With Fitness Basics\">Get Acquainted With Fitness Basics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/staying-active-and-fit-while-living-abroad\/#Draw_Up_a_Workout_Plan\" title=\"Draw Up a Workout Plan\">Draw Up a Workout Plan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/staying-active-and-fit-while-living-abroad\/#Sync_Your_Diet_With_Your_Fitness_Goals\" title=\"Sync Your Diet With Your Fitness Goals\">Sync Your Diet With Your Fitness Goals<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/staying-active-and-fit-while-living-abroad\/#Step_1_Revisit_Your_Fitness_Goals\" title=\"Step 1. Revisit Your Fitness Goals\">Step 1. Revisit Your Fitness Goals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/staying-active-and-fit-while-living-abroad\/#Step_2_Figure_Out_Your_Caloric_Requirements\" title=\"Step 2. Figure Out Your Caloric Requirements\">Step 2. Figure Out Your Caloric Requirements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/staying-active-and-fit-while-living-abroad\/#Step_3_Adjust_Your_Diet_Per_Your_Caloric_Requirements\" title=\"Step 3. Adjust Your Diet Per Your Caloric Requirements\">Step 3. Adjust Your Diet Per Your Caloric Requirements<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/staying-active-and-fit-while-living-abroad\/#Tips_to_Fast-Track_Your_Progress_and_Spice_Up_Your_Fitness_Journey\" title=\"Tips to Fast-Track Your Progress and Spice Up Your Fitness Journey\">Tips to Fast-Track Your Progress and Spice Up Your Fitness Journey<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/staying-active-and-fit-while-living-abroad\/#Get_Yourself_a_Gym_Buddy\" title=\"Get Yourself a Gym Buddy\">Get Yourself a Gym Buddy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/staying-active-and-fit-while-living-abroad\/#Embrace_Local_Healthy_Eats\" title=\"Embrace Local Healthy Eats\">Embrace Local Healthy Eats<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/staying-active-and-fit-while-living-abroad\/#Dont_Just_Exercise_Explore\" title=\"Don&#8217;t Just Exercise; Explore!\">Don&#8217;t Just Exercise; Explore!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Setting_the_Foundation_for_Long-Term_Fitness_Success_Abroad\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Setting the Foundation for Long-Term Fitness Success Abroad<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whatever your fitness goals are (we\u2019ll talk more about those in a minute), the bigger picture will always be the same: to stick with your routine for the long haul. That takes quite a bit of discipline and motivation (David Goggings; anyone?), but a lot of it comes down to what you do (or don\u2019t) before you even touch a weight or run a single mile.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, how do you make sure you start on the right foot?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are the absolute must-dos:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Figure_Out_Your_Fitness_Goals\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Figure Out Your Fitness Goal(s)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let&#8217;s kick things off by addressing a crucial step that many of us tend to overlook or rush through when embarking on our fitness journey. When you&#8217;re brimming with enthusiasm to work towards a healthier, more active you, it&#8217;s tempting to jump right into your workouts and routines. But before you lace up those sneakers and break a sweat, you might want to take a step back and make sure you\u2019ve got a clear picture of what you\u2019re aiming for.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Setting clear, well-defined goals will give you a precise direction. It\u2019ll help you answer questions like, &#8220;What am I working towards?&#8221; and &#8220;Why is this important to me?&#8221; Having a sense of direction is important, especially when you&#8217;re surrounded by the unfamiliar.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Goals also provide motivation. Knowing what you&#8217;re striving for will fuel your enthusiasm better than any \u201c3 a.m. motivation\u201d video.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Last but not least, having fitness goals can help you hold yourself accountable. Let\u2019s face it: you won\u2019t be fired up to exercise every day. There are days when it\u2019ll feel like all the fire you had in you is hiding somewhere behind your couch cushions. Having clear goals will give you that extra push you need when the couch is calling louder than your dumbbells.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So yeah, don\u2019t skip goal setting. More importantly, make sure you get this crucial step right by setting SMART(Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do you make your fitness goals SMART?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For illustration, let\u2019s assume your goal is to build strength and muscle in your chest. That on its own is too vague.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s its SMART version: \u201cto increase my bench press 1RM (one rep max) from 120 pounds to 150 pounds within the next three months by following a structured training program, tracking my progress weekly, and making adjustments as needed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This version is <\/span>Specific <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in that it targets a particular exercise, <\/span>Measurable<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in terms of weight lifted, <\/span>Achievable<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> based on your current fitness level,<\/span> Relevant<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to your overall strength-building objectives, and <\/span>Time-bound<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with a three-month deadline for added accountability.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This, in a nutshell, is how you should approach setting your fitness goals. As simple as it seems, it can make a huge difference in your fitness journey.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Get_Acquainted_With_Fitness_Basics\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get Acquainted With Fitness Basics<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is another step many people don\u2019t bother with, especially if they\u2019re hiring a trainer to help them work toward their fitness goals. However, just because everyone is doing something doesn\u2019t always make it right. I get it; not everyone enjoys reading fitness blogs, books, magazines, or watching fitness videos to learn the basics, especially when they\u2019re rearing to get started on that new workout program.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But this isn\u2019t about what you enjoy or don\u2019t.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s about avoiding not-so-great outcomes such as gym gaffes. Imagine strutting into the gym, ready to conquer the elliptical, only to realize it&#8217;s a treadmill with an identity crisis. See how quickly not knowing the basics can have you auditioning for a viral &#8220;gym fail&#8221; video?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knowing the basics will also help with injury prevention. Learning things like proper warm-up, correct form, and the right way to use equipment can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. Without this knowledge foundation, you might find yourself inadvertently courting strains, sprains, or more serious issues.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Last but not least, taking the time to learn fitness basics can go a long way to ensure you\u2019re making the most of your time in the gym. Anyone who knows a thing or two about fitness will tell you that exercise selection can speed up or put a damper on your progress. And, it doesn\u2019t end with choosing the right exercises; you also need to make sure you\u2019re doing them right. Taking the time to get acquainted with the basics will help you choose exercises that give you the best bang for your buck and ensure you do them correctly, making every single set count.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, if you like shortcuts (I do too, no shame in that), you\u2019re probably wondering \u201cCan\u2019t just hire a trainer? I mean, their whole deal is that they know pretty much everything about fitness and nutrition so I don\u2019t have to.\u201d&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Well, you can, but I&#8217;ll have you know that not every trainer out there is worth their salt. Some might give misleading advice, and you won\u2019t be able to tell that happens if you know nothing about fitness.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And even with a good trainer, you still need to be an active participant in your fitness journey. Understanding the basics empowers you to engage in meaningful conversations with your trainer, ask informed questions, and actively contribute to your own progress. It&#8217;s like having a GPS in a foreign city \u2013 you can follow the directions, but it&#8217;s immensely helpful to know how to read the map yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that we\u2019ve established that learning the basics is super important, let\u2019s turn our attention to the specifics of what you need to learn to lay that much-needed foundation of fitness knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To simplify everything, I\u2019ve created a table with every bit of information you need to familiarize yourself with. Have a look:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Fitness knowledge area<\/td><td>The most important topics to research<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exercise fundamentals.&nbsp;<\/span><\/td><td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Types of exercises<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Understand different types of exercises, including cardiovascular (e.g., running, cycling), strength training (e.g., weightlifting), and flexibility exercises (e.g., stretching, yoga).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Proper form.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Learn the correct form for various exercises to maximize effectiveness and reduce the risk of injury.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Workout structure.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Familiarize yourself with the components of a well-rounded workout, including warm-up, main workout, and cool-down.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutrition basics.<\/span><\/td><td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Macronutrients and micronutrients<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Understand the roles of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) in a balanced diet.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Caloric intake<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Learn about maintaining a healthy balance between calories consumed and calories burned for weight management.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Hydration. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understand the importance of staying hydrated and how it contributes to overall health.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Injury prevention.<\/span><\/td><td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Warm-up and cool-down techniques<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Learn proper warm-up and cool-down exercises to prevent injuries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Listening to your body<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Understand the importance of recognizing signs of fatigue, pain, or discomfort. This way, you\u2019ll know when to modify or stop an exercise that might be increasing your risk of injury.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gym equipment.<\/span><\/td><td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Basic gym equipment.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Familiarize yourself with common gym equipment, such as treadmills, ellipticals, weights, and resistance machines.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Safe equipment usage.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Learn how to use equipment safely to avoid accidents and injuries.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fitness terminology.<\/span><\/td><td>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Standard fitness lingo<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Understand terms like sets, reps, intensity, and rest intervals. This will make it easier to follow workout instructions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle recovery.<\/span><\/td><td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Why rest days are important.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Learn the importance of rest days and recovery in preventing burnout and promoting muscle recovery.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Setting your rest days.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Figure out how often you need to rest in a week to maintain a healthy balance between \u201cworking out often enough\u201d and \u201censuring you\u2019re fully recovered before your next workout.\u201d Keep your fitness goals and training intensity in mind when making this decision.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All this information is readily available online. Just make sure your source is credible. Critically evaluate the sources you consult by considering:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The author\u2019s qualifications<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The presence of scientific references, and\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether the information provided aligns with the broader consensus within the health and fitness community.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a general rule, be cautious of any source that promotes quick fixes, extreme diets, or information without scientific backing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Draw_Up_a_Workout_Plan\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Draw Up a Workout Plan<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you&#8217;ve got your fitness goals as clear as a post-workout glow and nodded knowingly at the fitness fundamentals, the next thing you need to do to start your fitness journey on the right foot is craft a workout plan.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the absolute fitness newbies (no shame in that; we all start somewhere), a workout plan is a structured and systematic schedule of physical activities designed to achieve specific fitness goals. It outlines everything you do during your sweat sessions, including the type of exercises, the duration, intensity, frequency, and progression over time.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A well-designed workout plan is your roadmap to success, your fitness GPS, and, dare I say, the secret sauce (not tren, oil, or whatever other crazy stuff people are injecting nowadays) to turning those goals into reality. It gives structure and direction, helping you make the most of your time in the gym.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ever seen someone wandering from machine to machine like a lost penguin in a snowstorm?&nbsp; Don&#8217;t be that penguin. Get yourself a workout plan to keep those sweat sessions efficient and targeted.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creating one from scratch shouldn\u2019t be too hard when you know your goals and fitness basics. Here\u2019s how to go about it:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Identify your fitness goal.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> We\u2019ve covered this already, so I won\u2019t bore you with repetition.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decide how often you&#8217;ll work out each week<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Beginners may start with 2-3 days, while more advanced individuals might be able to handle 4-6 days per week. Be sure to consider other factors like your schedule, recovery capacity, and overall lifestyle.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decide on a workout split. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s no right or wrong answer here. So instead of making that choice for you, I\u2019ll give you some pointers to help you make it. PUSH\/PULL\/LEGs works great for people looking to exercise 3 to 4 times a week, whereas a Full Body split is perfect for those who can only exercise 2 to 3 times a week. Upper\/Lower and Body-Part splits are a better fit for individuals who can train 4 times a week or more.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select exercises for each muscle group.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Choose exercises that align with your goals and target different muscle groups. If you\u2019re just getting started, aim for 1-2 compound exercises per major muscle group (i.e., chest, back, legs, shoulders) and 1 exercise for minor muscle groups (biceps, triceps, calves). You can always increase these numbers as you progress.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Define the number of sets and repetitions for each exercise.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Again, this is a decision you\u2019ll want to make with your fitness goals in mind. If your goal is to build strength, opt for lower rep ranges (4-6 reps per set works great) and perform 3-6 sets per exercise with a relatively long rest period between sets (2- 5 minutes). If you\u2019re all about hypertrophy (muscle growth), stick to moderate rep ranges (8-12 reps) and perform 3-5 sets per exercise with rest periods of 60-90 seconds between sets. For endurance, go for higher reps (12-15+ reps), increase the number of sets as much as you can handle, and cut down the rest period between sets to about 30 seconds (a minute, max).<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allocate cardio sessions. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If cardiovascular fitness is one of your goals (it should be, for most people), incorporate cardio exercises like running, cycling, or swimming. Determine the frequency, intensity, and duration of your cardio sessions depending on your current fitness levels and recovery capacity. If unsure, stick to the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise OR 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week\u201d<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> prescribed by the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/health.gov\/our-work\/nutrition-physical-activity\/physical-activity-guidelines\/current-guidelines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan for your warm-up and cool-down<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Developing warm-up and cool-down routines is one of the best things you can do to prevent injury and speed up recovery. Include dynamic stretches for warm-ups and static stretches for cool-downs; not the other way around there\u2019s some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6895680\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">scientific evidence<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggesting that static stretching may negatively affect muscle strength and power, especially if performed for longer than 60 seconds.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan how you&#8217;ll progress your workouts over time.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This might involve increasing weights, adjusting repetitions, or incorporating more challenging exercises to ensure continued improvement.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Schedule regular rest days to allow your body to recover.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Adequate rest is essential for preventing overtraining and reducing the risk of injuries. Aim for 1 to 3 days of rest a week.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, there are a couple of things I\u2019d like to emphasize before I round off this section:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Always listen to your body and adjust your workout plan accordingly.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Your workout plan shouldn\u2019t be set in stone. You should be able to adjust it if your body starts responding negatively through signs like excessive fatigue, soreness, and negative effects on your overall well-being.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep a workout log. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This can be a notebook, an app, or any other tool that allows you to track your progress (weights lifted, sets, repetitions, and any notes on how you felt during the workout). Keeping such a record is a great way to assess your performance, which will help you make informed adjustments to your plan.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If creating a workout plan from scratch seems like too much work, use a fitness app instead of skipping this step entirely.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might not get as many personalization options as someone creating their own workout plan, but you\u2019ll still be much better off than someone who wanders into the gym like a kid in a candy store, picking and choosing exercises on a whim.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s an endless list of apps you can use, some free and others paid. If I had to offer a recommendation, it would be the Nike Training Club (NTC) app because:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exercises come with modifications or progressions, allowing people to choose options that match their current abilities.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The pre-designed workout plans and programs cater to specific goals, such as weight loss, strength building, or overall fitness, allowing users to pick a routine that aligns with their fitness goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most exercises come with video demonstrations, making it easy to understand proper form and technique.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It has built-in progress tracking, which is great for motivation.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It lets people choose workout durations that fit their schedule, making it convenient for beginners to integrate exercise into their daily routine.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, this recommendation comes with a pinch of personal bias because I\u2019m familiar with the NTC app and a big fan of the brand behind it. So if another app works better for you, by all means, give it a go. Just don\u2019t train without a plan.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sync_Your_Diet_With_Your_Fitness_Goals\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sync Your Diet With Your Fitness Goals<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ever heard of the phrase \u201cyou are what you eat?\u201d It\u2019s not just another catchy phrase keyboard warriors have coined to fat-shame people on the internet. Sure, some people twist it to quench their thirst for putting others down so they can feel good about themselves, but we can\u2019t deny the succinct reminder it was originally meant to convey: our body&#8217;s composition and performance are intrinsically linked to the quality and quantity of nutrients consumed.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your dietary choices can complement or counteract all the hard work you put into your sweaty sessions. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to make sure that your nutrition aligns with your fitness goals. It requires a bit of tact to do that, but it should be relatively easy if you put genuine effort into learning about fitness fundamentals.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To make things even easier for you, let&#8217;s plunge into the delicious world of aligning your nutrition with your fitness goals, where broccoli is the superhero and pizza&#8230; well, let&#8217;s just say it has a cameo.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Revisit_Your_Fitness_Goals\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 1. Revisit Your Fitness Goals<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first step is revisiting the fitness goals you set earlier. Are you sculpting a Greek god physique, aiming for peak athletic performance, or just trying to keep up with the kids? You know the answer better than anyone; keep it in mind.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Figure_Out_Your_Caloric_Requirements\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 2. Figure Out Your Caloric Requirements<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the most challenging step in this whole process, and a lot of that has to do with the fact that calories can be tricky to figure out. But don\u2019t worry; I\u2019ve got your back. I\u2019m about to prove that this whole thing can be explained without unnecessary fitness jargon.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alright, so calories are the standard unit of measurement used for the amount of energy in everything we consume \u2013 like the way we use pounds or kilograms to measure weight. Your body needs a certain amount of this energy to do its basic stuff, like breathing and keeping everything ticking. We call this the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR).&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, when you eat and drink, you&#8217;re taking in calories, and that gives you the energy to do your daily activities. But here&#8217;s the deal: if you eat more calories than your body actually needs for life-sustaining functions, it stashes the extra as fat. That\u2019s how you gain weight. But if you eat fewer calories than your body requires, it starts using up that stored fat, causing you to lose weight.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind, though, it&#8217;s not just about calories. The type of stuff you eat matters too. Different macronutrients\u2014carbohydrates, proteins, and fats\u2014provide varying amounts of energy per gram. Carbohydrates and proteins each contribute about 4 calories per gram, while fats contribute around 9 calories per gram.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This distinction is crucial when you\u2019re trying to align the composition of your diet to your fitness goals because it allows you to portion each macronutrient to support what you\u2019re trying to achieve.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How come?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s use an example to answer that question.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Picture this: you\u2019re trying to gain lean muscle mass. You know that you need to maintain a caloric surplus (I.e. eat more than your BMR) to achieve that goal. Let\u2019s assume you\u2019ve determined the caloric surplus required to achieve that goal is 300 calories per day (which, by the way, lies in the universally recommended range of 200 to 500 extra calories a day).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this case, you\u2019d need the knowledge of how many calories per gram are in each macronutrient to ensure that you\u2019re getting enough calories from protein, the most important macronutrient for building muscle. You\u2019d still have carbs and fats in your diet to give you quick and sustained energy, respectively, but you\u2019d consume more protein than the average person.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See why knowing how many calories are in each macronutrient is important?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Great! Now let\u2019s talk about how you can figure out how many calories you need for maintenance (i.e. the BMR). Why is this important? Because you can\u2019t adjust your calorie intake to gain weight, lose it, or achieve whatever other fitness goal if you don\u2019t know your maintenance calories.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you don\u2019t mind a bit of math, you can use the Harris-Benedict equation (look it up; the formula is pretty easy to follow). It doesn\u2019t just calculate your BMR; it also factors in your current activity level for added accuracy.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve got too much on your plate to do the math, you can use an online BMR calculator. Just search \u201cBMR calculator\u201d and choose one that explicitly states that it makes calculations based on the Harris-Benedict equation. Click <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.calculators.org\/health\/bmr.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for one.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Adjust_Your_Diet_Per_Your_Caloric_Requirements\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 3. Adjust Your Diet Per Your Caloric Requirements<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019ve got an idea of your maintenance calories, you can adjust your food portions and composition per the table below:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Goal<\/td><td>Recommended Caloric deficit\/surplus<\/td><td>Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDR)<\/td><td>What to expect<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight loss<\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A deficit of 500 calories per day<\/span><\/td><td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protein: 15%\u221225% of total calories<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carbohydrates: 45%\u221265% of total calories<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fats: 20%\u221235% of total calories<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To lose about 1lb (about half a kg) per week.<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintaining Current weight<\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consume maintenance calories<\/span><\/td><td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protein: 10\u201335% of total daily calories<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carbohydrates: 45%\u221265% of total calories<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fats: 20%\u221235% of total calories<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To get fitter without losing or gaining weight.<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle gain (AKA, bulking)<\/span><\/td><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A surplus of 10\u201320%. (i.e., multiply your maintenance calories by any figure between 1.1\u20131.2 to get the specific calories you need to consume each day)<\/span><\/td><td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protein: 30\u201335% of total daily calories<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carbohydrates: 45%\u221260% of total calories<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fats: 15%\u221230% of total calories<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td><td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A weight gain of 0.25\u20130.5% of your body weight per week.&nbsp;<\/span><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have other goals that don\u2019t fall outside cutting, bulking, or maintaining your current weight, you\u2019ll be better off enlisting the help of a professional to help you adjust your calorie intake and macronutrient distribution. Your dietary needs are different from a normal person, and your food portions and macronutrient composition should reflect that.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_to_Fast-Track_Your_Progress_and_Spice_Up_Your_Fitness_Journey\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tips to Fast-Track Your Progress and Spice Up Your Fitness Journey<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, you\u2019ve got your goals figured out, created a solid workout program, and have your diet on point. What\u2019s next? Well, it\u2019s what I like to think of as the fun part: getting active. There isn\u2019t much more you need to figure out except the handful of things you can do to fast-track your progress and inject a dash of fun into your fitness journey.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s a rundown of those \u201cthings\u201d.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Get_Yourself_a_Gym_Buddy\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get Yourself a Gym Buddy<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is one of the many reasons why making friends and building a support network abroad is so important. In most cases, your search for a gym buddy will start in your social circle. If you don\u2019t have friends, you won\u2019t have the easiest time finding a workout buddy on a whim because the gym is one of the toughest places to break the ice with a complete stranger. It\u2019s not impossible; it just takes much more social skills compared to other settings.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What if you\u2019ve just touched down and haven\u2019t made friends (yet)?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My best advice would be to give <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/making-friends-and-building-a-support-network-when-living-abroad\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">this guide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a thorough read. It covers everything about making friends while living abroad; it even has an entire section on how to approach complete strangers in the gym and potentially strike a rapport. Trust me, it\u2019s a worthwhile read, and so will the effort you put into getting a training partner.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having a workout buddy is great for motivation and accountability. We all have those moments when the couch looks comfier than the gym, and Netflix seems way more appealing than a workout. Those are the days when your workout buddy will give you that much-needed kick in the butt. They\u2019ll be your personal David Goggins, reminding you of your fitness goals and pushing you to lace up those sneakers. Plus, it\u2019s much harder to bail on your fitness plans when you know you\u2019re not just letting yourself down.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having a teammate also makes the whole fitness thing way more fun. Exploring a new city with someone while getting your steps in or trying out local workout classes together adds a social element to your routine. It turns the sometimes mundane working out into a social activity, and that&#8217;s a win-win.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lastly, a training partner takes the unfamiliarity out of your fitness quest. They\u2019ll be your extra set of eyes and ears, making it safer and more enjoyable to explore new jogging routes or hit up local fitness spots.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Embrace_Local_Healthy_Eats\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Embrace Local Healthy Eats<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The fact that you\u2019re on a quest to become a fitter, more active you doesn\u2019t mean you should starve yourself of one of the joys of living abroad: exploring the local culinary scene. On the contrary, incorporating local eats into your diet can make your fitness journey a whole lot more fun.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sure, chicken and rice might be your fitness staples, but a little culinary variety won&#8217;t hurt. Exploring local healthy options allows you to add a burst of flavors, textures, and nutrients to your diet. It&#8217;s like a tasty vacation for your taste buds.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plus, it\u2019s much easier to stick to eating healthy when you\u2019ve got some variety. Let&#8217;s be honest, sticking to a strict diet can get monotonous. Incorporating local healthy options keeps your meals exciting, helping prevent the dreaded &#8220;diet burnout.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Last but super-important, adding local foods to your diet can help you tackle one of the biggest challenges globetrotters face: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/adjusting-to-a-new-culture\/understanding-local-customs-and-social-etiquette-in-a-new-country\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">understanding local customs and social etiquette in a new country.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp; Food is a significant part of any culture, and trying local eats is a fantastic way to connect with the community and get a taste (literally!) of the place you&#8217;re living in. It adds a cultural dimension to your meals, turning them into experiences rather than just fuel for your workout.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dont_Just_Exercise_Explore\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&#8217;t Just Exercise; Explore!<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adventure is an important part of living abroad. So don&#8217;t limit your exercise to the gym. Every now and then, lace up those sneakers, head out, and explore your new surroundings. Go on a hike, a swim, a walk, or even take a sunrise yoga class by the beach if that\u2019s an option. Your fitness routine can become a window to a world of new experiences if you keep an open mind.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Figuring out your goals, concocting a diet plan that&#8217;s more science than just salad, deciphering the workout routine alphabet soup, and, oh, finding the motivation to actually get off the couch \u2014 it&#8217;s a workout in itself. Now, imagine doing it all in a foreign country, where the local gym might as well be a &#8230; <a title=\"Staying Active and Fit While Living Abroad\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/life-abroad\/health-and-wellness\/staying-active-and-fit-while-living-abroad\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Staying Active and Fit While Living Abroad\">Read more<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2059,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[42],"table_tags":[],"class_list":["post-2057","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-and-wellness","tag-reviewed","infinite-scroll-item","masonry-post","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2057","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2057"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2057\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10410,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2057\/revisions\/10410"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2059"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2057"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2057"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2057"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movingcountries.guide\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=2057"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}