How To Workout In a Small Space: RV Edition

Introduction To RV Small Space Workout

A lot of people are opting to live in their RV or trailer, and although this is a fantastic lifestyle choice, it does come with its challenges. One of the biggest challenges that full-time RVers may face is how to have a small space workout. If you have limited space for exercising inside your rig, then these exercise tips will help you get started!

How Do I Workout While Traveling in My RV?

The biggest challenge that you may face when trying to work out in an RV is limited room for movement, and where the space is located. If you have a small living space inside your home on wheels, then it can be difficult to even find enough room for yourself! Luckily we’ve compiled this list of simple exercises which will allow you to burn some calories and build up your strength all while living in an RV!

Why Is Exercise for RVers Important?

RVers spend a lot of time on the road. This type of travel can be hard on your body. We don’t often think about how our sedentary lifestyle can negatively affect us when we are on the road traveling around. It is important to find ways of staying active and healthy while you travel so that your body doesn’t get worn down from too much relaxation!

Exercising in an RV: A Guide to Making it Work for You

In this blog post, you’ll find a list of simple exercises which can help keep your body healthy and strong while living in an RV. These workouts are designed to burn some calories and tone up all of the major muscle groups so that you stay fit and feel great!

Inside RV Workout: How To Use Your Small Space To Stay Fit (Body Workout)

It is completely possible to engage in simple movements and exercises within the small space of your RV. All you need to do is open your mind and follow these easy exercises, which will help tone up your body while living in a smaller space!

Here are some body exercises that everyone can engage in while living in a small space.

Planks:

Planks are a great bodyweight exercise. Planks target several different muscle groups on the body. There are several different types of planks, but the standard is a high-intensity ab exercise that can be done anywhere.

How To Do a Proper Plank:

Begin in a push-up position with your hands on the floor, shoulder-width apart. Tuck your toes under and straighten out your legs so that they are fully extended behind you. Keep an eye on where your hips go – don’t let them sag or stick up too high!

Hold this position for as long as possible while maintaining a straight line from your head to your heels.

Push-ups:

Another great way to work out while living in an RV is to engage in push-ups. Push-ups are a classic bodyweight exercise that anyone can do anywhere! They work out all of the major muscle groups on your upper body and burn some calories.

Pushup Variations:

There are several types of push-up exercises that you should be familiar with before trying them in your RV. Here are some of the most common types:

Regular Push-Ups – Standard push-ups which work out the arms, chest, and shoulders

Plank Push Ups – A variation on regular push-ups where you do them while holding a plank position

Decline Push-Ups – A different type of standard push up done with a greater range of motion

Diamond Push Ups – A push up done with your hands together in a diamond shape

Lunges:

Lunges target legs and glutes while strengthening your core muscles. Placing one foot in front will make this an asymmetrical movement that targets specific muscle groups for toning purposes. They are a great exercise to do while living in an RV!

How To Do Lunges:

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Step forward with one leg into a lunge position, making sure that the knee does not go further than your toes and stays behind them as you lower yourself down towards the floor. Make sure to keep the front knee at a 90-degree angle.

Push back up with your heel while keeping your core engaged so that you come straight back to the starting position, and repeat on the opposite side.

Sit-ups:

This is a simple exercise that will help you strengthen your abdominal muscles. You can do this with or without equipment! Proper execution of a sit-up includes lying on your back and putting both hands behind the head or using a towel to hold at the top of your forehead.

How To Do Sit-ups:

Begin by lying flat on your back with your knees bent and feet touching the floor. Place a folded hand towel just above your eyes so you can grab it for stability when doing sit-ups.

Bring your legs up and lift yourself until you are flat in the air, then slowly lower down so that your back touches the ground again (but don’t actually hit it!). Bring yourself back to starting position with a controlled motion for maximum effect!

Leg Raises:

This is another great exercise that will work out both your abs and legs! You have likely done this exercise before, but it’s good to be aware that there are different variations depending on what you want to work out.

How To Do Leg Raises:

Lay flat on your back with your hands at the sides for support. Bring one leg up so that your foot is near or touching your opposite knee and begin to curl your lower back off the floor. Make sure to engage your core muscles so that you are not just flopping around!

Slowly bring yourself back down with control, then do another rep on the other side of your body. Repeat until all reps for one leg have been completed!

Seated Knee Raise:

This is another good exercise which works out both your abs and legs! A great variation of the standard crunch, this move is a perfect way to target your lower abdominal muscles.

How To Do Seated Knee Raises:

Sit on an exercise ball with feet against a wall for balance. Bring one knee up towards your chest while engaging your core muscles, then slowly bring yourself back down to starting position. Do this on both legs until all reps have been completed!

Squats:

This is a full-body exercise that will work out your legs, glutes, and core muscles! This basic move can be done with or without weights depending on what you have available to you.

How To Do Squats:

Stand up straight while holding onto something for balance if necessary. Lower your rear-end toward the floor while bending your knees. Engage your core muscles. Never let your knee go past your toes. Try to keep knees at a ninety degree angle.

Slowly bring yourself down into a squatting position, then push yourself back up while engaging the glutes and quads of both legs for maximum effect. Repeat until all reps have been completed on each leg!

Kettlebell Workouts:

Kettlebell workouts are a great way to get toned and strengthen your core muscles! You don’t need much space for this exercise, so it is perfect for people who live in small spaces.

How To Do Kettle Bell Workouts:

Pick up the kettlebell with both hands and hold it at chest level while standing up straight. Engage your core muscles and slowly lower the weight down to about knee level, then push yourself back up again with control for maximum effect!

Repeat until all reps have been completed on each side of the body (left leg/right arm, right leg/left arm), then switch sides and repeat once more!

Glute Bridge:

Glute Bridges will not only work your glutes and hamstrings but also help with balance. It is a great exercise to add in if you have limited space as the leg movement can be done while lying down making it an ideal travel workout option.

Before starting this exercise, make sure that you are properly warmed up first, and always remember to do a proper glute and hamstring stretch post-workout.

Glute Bridges are excellent for strengthening the lower back/core, working your glutes, hamstrings, and hip flexors.

Small Space Yoga With The Use of A Yoga Mat

Yoga is an excellent way to stretch, relax, and tone your muscles! It doesn’t require much space at all so it’s perfect for people who live in small spaces. Just grab a yoga mat and find your zen!

How To Do Yoga:

Set up a yoga mat or towel on the floor where you have plenty of room for stretching out. Make sure that there are no hard or sharp objects nearby that might hurt you when reaching to stretch. You can also lay down on your back and lift one leg up towards the ceiling so you get a good hamstring stretch!

Repeat with the opposite leg, then switch sides until all reps have been completed! When this is done, move onto the downward dog by getting into an inverted V position with your body. You can stay in this pose for as long or as short depending on how you feel, then slowly come back to starting position when ready!

Check out this video for small space yoga ideas!!

Outside RV Workout: Best Outdoor Workouts For RV Travel

One of the best parts of RV life is visiting rural areas, parks, and national parks. These areas are the perfect place to engage in some outdoor activities such as hiking. There are tons of outdoor exercises to add to your workout (weather permitting). Here is a list of great outdoor exercises for the adventurous RVer.

Hiking:

Hiking is a great way to get in some cardio and enjoy the outdoors. Not only that but it will also give you an excellent leg workout as well. Be sure to plan your hike prior to venturing out. It is important to stay on well-maintained trails. Bring water and wear sunscreen.

With proper planning, hiking can be a fantastic fitness activity. It will help you explore the outdoors in a new way and work your entire body.

Biking:

If you travel with a bike, then you have a great workout option. Even if you don’t own one, there are plenty of places to rent bikes around your travel destination or nearby towns. Biking is an excellent way to sightsee and get in some exercise at the same time. It will help increase your cardiovascular endurance while toning different muscles all over your body.

Swimming is a great workout:

Many campgrounds and RV parks have swimming pools. Swimming is a great option for those who need to take it a bit easier on their joints. Water exercise is great for toning muscles and burning calories. It’s also a great option for those who don’t want to spend much time outdoors in the heat or sun.

No matter what outdoor activities interest you, be sure to check ahead of time that they are allowed at your destination so as not to disappoint yourself if they aren’t permitted.

Jump Rope:

The great thing about jumping rope is that it requires little equipment that doesn’t take up much of your storage space. Jumping rope is a fantastic cardio exercise. It is great for developing agility and improving coordination.

Be sure to check your local gym or sporting goods store for jump ropes before making the trip out as they can be expensive depending on where you purchase them from.

If space is a factor, jumping rope may not be an option for you but it could easily fit in any RV storage bin if all else fails.

Running:

If you have a little more room to work with, running is always an option. All you need is a sturdy pair of running shoes and maybe some headphones. Running is a great exercise for the body. It works muscles all throughout the body and will really get your heart pumping.

Be sure to wear sunscreen when running outdoors and always drink plenty of water before, during, and after a workout. It is also important to stretch properly beforehand so as not to injure yourself or exacerbate already existing injuries.

Walking:

Walking is a great low-impact exercise. It is perfect for those who can’t engage in a running schedule due to injury. There are many parks, trails, and paths that will allow for walking as well as areas with sidewalks in more urban settings.

Be sure to take breaks when necessary, pace yourself, and wear comfortable shoes.

Walking is a great way to explore and enjoy the outdoors while also getting your heart rate up, toning muscles all over your body, and improving endurance.

Tricep Dips:

You can easily fit some tricep dips into any fitness routine. Just use an RV storage bin or a picnic table. Tricep dips help increase muscle in your chest, arms and shoulders. It can also help improve strength for daily activities such as lifting groceries or heavy objects.

Before beginning this exercise, make sure that you warm up first by stretching out the muscles involved to avoid injury. Tricep dips are an excellent way to tone your upper body while traveling without having a gym membership.

Four Week Plan

Check out this four-week plan created by Bradley S. Driver of Thirteen Adventures

Videos: RV Exercise

There are many exercise videos available on the internet. Many of these website exercise videos can be used to employ a small space workout regimen. Simply search for “exercise videos” to find the perfect workout routine that will fit your needs and space.

Check out this video!!

Exercise Equipment For RV Workout

Finding proper equipment for an RV workout can be difficult due to a lack of storage and space. Here are some ideas for things that you can use in your exercise routine that won’t take up tons of storage in your RV.

Items That You Already Have:

You may already have items available to use in your workouts. This is absolutely the best option because you won’t have to find additional storage space and you won’t have to spend any additional funds.

Things that you already have that you can use to aid in the exercise include:

-Items in your RV that are made of sturdy material (heavy-duty chairs, bookshelves, etc.)

-Heavy-duty food storage containers (water bottles, milk jugs, etc.)

-Grocery bags or backpacks filled with heavy items instead of being empty

Jump rope:

As mentioned previously, a jump rope takes up very little space and provides a great exercise option for RVers. Prices for jump ropes range from about $14 up to as much as you want to spend. A rope is a great investment for any traveler because it can easily fit in your suitcase when traveling and it’s easy to use anywhere!

Resistance Bands:

A resistance band workout consists of using elastic bands that provide resistance against the motion created by your body or an external force. The band is connected to an anchor and the user then exercises by creating tension on the band in various ways that can increase or decrease resistance against whatever motion you are trying to create (a great option for those with limited mobility).

Resistance bands come in many different levels of intensity, so it’s best to get beginner ones if you are just starting out.

Boss body:

The Boss Body portable workout equipment is a fantastic invention for RVers and those with a small space to exercise in. The Boss Body is a versatile workout platform that can be used for over 100 different exercises. The unit folds up to a compact size, making it easy to store in an RV or other small space.

The boss body uses different hooks and bands to create a strength workout. The company has videos and diagrams showing all of the recommended exercises.

Kettlebell Small Space Workout:

An adjustable weight kettlebell will not only take up little storage space but it is a great tool for use in your workout. Kettlebells can easily be stored in an RV or other small space, and they are great for use as weights.

Gym Memberships That Work For RVers

If you prefer to work out in a gym setting, there are a few options for RV travelers.

Planet Fitness:

Planet Fitness has many locations across the U.S. and Canada, so it’s a gym that you can usually find no matter where you are. Gym fees for Planet Fitness are $20 per month. This monthly fee allows you to visit any Planet Fitness in the country.

YMCA:

The YMCA is a great gym option for RVers and those with limited mobility. The fees are generally very affordable, and there are many programs offered to make it a perfect choice for travelers who want to exercise without having to do so on the road or in their small space at home. You will have a home gym but access to nationwide locations. Make sure to understand the home gym rules for usage prior to signing up.

Anytime Fitness:

Another low-cost gym option is Anytime Fitness. This facility allows you to pay a one-time and monthly fee for an all-access pass that will allow you to work out at any of their locations as many times as needed during your membership time with them.

The price point varies by location, but the cost averages $20-$30 per month. The price depends on the length and terms of your membership.

Anytime Fitness has over 4000 locations nationwide, so there’s likely one near where ever your travels take you next!

Gyms That Do Not Require Membership

Some gyms have a drop-in policy. In most of these cases, you will pay for a day pass. This will give the RVer or traveler free rein to exercise at any location that they happen to be near if drop-in or daily rates are available.

Check local gyms to find out what is available in your area.

Important Exercise Tips to Remember

It is important when beginning any type of exercise program to take necessary precautions and know your body’s limitations. Here are some tips for a healthy and safe workout.

Importance of Heartrate:

Before beginning any type of workout, it’s important to check your heart rate.

The American Heart Association recommends the following:

“If you’re doing a moderate-intensity aerobic activity (like brisk walking), aim for a target between 50 percent and 70 percent of your maximum heart rate.” The max is 220 – age = MHR.

“For vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (like jogging), aim for a target of 70 percent to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate.” The max is 220 – age = MHR.

Incorporate stretching:

Stretching before and after any workout can help prevent injury, muscle soreness, and tight muscles from developing. There are many stretches that you can do throughout the day especially for those days when you don’t feel like working out!

Watch Your Form:

Be aware of and use proper form when completing any type of exercise or body workout. This will keep you safe from injury and give you the best overall outcome from your exertions.

Consistency:

Being consistent with any workout is the best way to see results and gain momentum.

Make it a lifestyle:

Taking care of your body isn’t just something you do for exercise, but it’s important to make making healthy choices a regular part of everyday life in order to stay fit! It’s also okay if those daily habits slip from time to time, just remember that it’s better to be consistent than not.

Nutrition:

Nutrition is often an overlooked part of exercise and wellness. Making sure to eat healthy foods will provide your body with the fuel it needs to get through a workout, as well as give you energy for all other areas of life! It is possible to eat healthily and cook well while traveling by RV.

Check out these related healthy recipes!!

Increase Intensity in your Small Space Workout:

Listen to your body. Slowly increase intensity as you continually participate in your workout plan. Push yourself, but don’t overdo it.

Remember that the most important part of the exercise is to have fun! Having fun will make a world of difference in your exercise outcomes.

No matter what type of workout you choose or how often you do so, make sure that doing so brings joy and happiness into your life! If an activity doesn’t feel right for whatever reason just stop immediately because safety comes first.

Importance Of Sleep:

Getting a good night’s sleep is always important.

A good night’s sleep will give you the energy and health to perform at your best during a workout! Also, lack of enough rest can actually make it difficult for your body to process food properly. Make sure that you’re taking care of yourself in both exercise AND diet by getting adequate sleep as well!

Warm-up and Cool Down:

After completing a workout, it’s important to give your body time to cool down and recover. Stretching is an excellent way not only to relax muscles but also to prevent injury during workouts!

Also, make sure that you’re eating something after working out because this will help with the recovery process as well. Eating within thirty minutes of completion of your workout will help with refueling and glycogen replacement.

The most important part of these tips is to make sure that you’re having fun! Whether it’s a high-intensity HIIT or an easy yoga session, incorporating some type of physical activity into your life can be the best thing for both body and mind. Make sure to do it with a smile and give yourself time to rest, relax, and recover.

Conclusion To Small Space Workout: RV Exercise and Health

This concludes our blog post on how to work out in a small space, while RVing or camping. We hope you have found it helpful! If so, please share with your friends and family who might be looking for ways to stay healthy while still enjoying life outside the gym. And if not, don’t forget that we are just one click away from all of our other amazing content about RV living! Have a great day everyone – see you soon!

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