We’re currently living in our Dodge Ram Promaster City with a Wayfarer Van Conversion Kit and recently wrote a story about van life workouts. Many of you wrote in wanting to know more so we decided to follow up with some more workout ideas. The following activities are things you can do at rest stops, gas stations, parking lots … basically anywhere you can find when you’re traveling. After a long day on the road we often can’t wait to stretch our bodies and move around a bit. Here’s how we maintain fitness on the road: Van Life Exercises (Round Two!)

Workout gear essentials:

Extra Thick Exercise Mat with Carrying Strap
Water / Water Bottle
Comfortable clothes
Shoes

Are you ready for Van Life Workouts?

As you would with any other fitness routine or regimen, consult your physician to make sure this is a healthy option for you. Consider working with a personal trainer to make sure your form is correct and, as always, be sure to workout in a safe area. If you’re in a parking lot, make sure you are visible to other drivers and not putting yourself in harm’s way.

Mountain Climbers

To perform mountain climbers, get into the pushup position. Then, bring one of your legs up towards your chest while the other one stays extended. Switch positions and repeat 20 times for each leg or for time. Try not to let your back arch or sag. Activate your core and keep your body moving!

 

High Knees

Get those knees up, y’all! Try to do 2 or 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions. Use your arms to help drive your knees up and do them as quick as possible. Aim to get your thigh parallel to the ground.

Butt Kickers

This one is performed just like it sounds. In rapid succession, kick your butt! Aim for another 2 or 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions.

Carioca

Also known as grapevine, this is one of those van life exercises that might make you think of middle school physical education. It involves moving laterally and placing one foot in front of the other as you go sideways. Take it slow at first and then go faster as you feel more comfortable with it. We typically carioca for about 20 feet in both directions.

 

 

Legs Up the Van!

Grab your mat for this one (or park in a grassy area) and literally lean your legs up against the van. This is not an active exercise so much as it is a stretch. It feels great after a lot of driving as well as after long hikes and runs.

Trunk twists

Make your legs about shoulder width apart. Rotate your trunk slowly until you feel a slight pulling in your abs. Repeat!

Line Jumps

In this photo we’re using a surfboard leash. Use whatever you have in your van. A clothesline or some rope will do. If you don’t have any of those things you can always just draw a line in the sand or dirt. The idea is to jump as quickly as possible for 30 seconds at a time without losing any intensity. Do one round front to back and one round side to side.

 

 

Van Life Dips

Open the back doors of your vehicle for this exercise. Slowly lower yourself until your arms are 90 degrees. Do not go lower than 90 degrees because it can be bad for your shoulders. Aim to do 12 to 15 repetitions. If one set is not enough, add more.

 

 

Sprints

Walk out 15 paces from the bumper of your van and lay something in the dirt to mark the distance. (Kudos to you if you want to go further than 15 paces.) We laid the surfboard leash in the ground but a shoe or something else from your van works just as good. Put one hand on the bumper of your van and then sprint to the marker. Touch it and head back to the van. Repeat. We do ten and it thoroughly kicks our butt every single time.

Staying Healthy and Fit While Traveling

Getting enough exercise while on the road can be hard to do. But with a game plan, determination and motivation, traveling shouldn’t impede your fitness. Some might argue that you can manage to not only maintain your fitness but improve it.

If you liked this post, be sure to check out our first go-round of Van Life Workouts. Oh and if you’re ready to update your gear or are interested in learning about some of our favorite workout items, check out some of our favorite exercise gear HERE.

Looking for a bit of motivation? Check out how we do find motivation on a daily basis HERE.