I do two things that might seem like they are in conflict:  1) I exercise every day (2, 052 days in a row and counting) and  2) I go on a lot of cruises.

Over the past few years of travel, I have learned a few things to make them work together and not be in conflict with each other.

So, without further ado, here are my top 10 tips for working out while on a cruise:

  1. If you map out your workouts for the year, quarter or month – coordinate that schedule with your vacation plans. For example, I have the remainder of the year mapped out into 3 running phases or blocks. Each of those blocks contains a rest or easy week, which coincides with our cruises. Perfect! Now I can take it easy and not feel guilty about it.
  1. Most cruise ship gyms are small, relative to the number of passengers on board – so they are going to be crowed … at times. Mornings will be extra busy, so exercise later in the day if you want to avoid the bigger crowds. Also, port days will be less crowded, especially if passengers are getting off the ship first thing in the morning. And, as the cruise days add up, less and less people go to the gym after the first few days – so, during the second half of the cruise, you might see fewer people in the gym overall.
  1. If you have a weekly/daily routine, try and stick to it. If you do chest on Mondays, arms on Wednesdays and legs on Fridays, try to stick to that schedule. That way, if your mind is distracted by the beach or other things, your body can just take over.
  1. However, there will be days when the equipment you want is tied up or just not present on the ship – so embrace some level of flexibility while getting your workout in. For example, if you normally do Back Squats and there is no rack or smith machine, grab a dumbbell and do Goblet Squats. At least you’re getting something in.
  1. If you’re a runner and hate the treadmill as much as I do – just log 30:00 – and alternate running and walking. It’s a good enough workout, short, and if you’re having an easy or rest week – then that is all you will need. Plus, you can do some epic people or scenery watching during those walk sections as many of the ship gyms have the treadmills lined up next to large windows with amazing views.
  1. If you’re a runner and really want to run outside, I would avoid the running/walking tracks on most ships, as they are right in the middle of the sun decks filled with rows and rows of loungers, people, staff, etc. It’s very crowded, and you will most likely be dodging people right and left – and for me, it’s just not worth it. Instead, depending on where you port, I will try and get a run in at the port location either first thing in the AM or just before we are due back on ship. There are some ports where this is just not practical or safe, so do your homework before you go.
  1. Speaking of homework … most of the cruise ships have tons and tons of ship tours you can view on YouTube prior to your trip. Take advantage of these and check out the gyms before your trip. This will give you a pretty good idea of what you can and can not do – and help you plan your workouts or alternate workouts ahead of time.
  1. Use the rowers. Most gyms have Concept2 or similar rowers on board. Surprisingly, I have found these to be available more than any other equipment in the gyms. So if you need an aerobic workout and can’t get on a treadmill or bike, embrace the rower.
  1. Pull-ups and chin-ups. Many of the gyms have some sort of rack or equipment with a pull-up/chin-up bar. What they don’t have are high ceilings. Most of the bars will be inches from the ceilings – so just … a heads up … watch your head when doing these exercises. There’s always dents in the ceilings above the pull-up/chin-up bars, so don’t add to them with your skull and end up in the medical office.
  1. Lastly, you can always do push-ups, sit-ups, burpees, etc. in you room. Or walk up and down the 18 flights of stairs for 20 minutes. Walk/hike around the ship for 30 minutes with a heavy backpack on. Or count the excursion day hike as your workout for the day. There are a million ways to get creative and still get something in. There is always a way.

I’ve had gorgeous runs in Haiti and stunning hikes in St. Thomas. I’ve done dips in-between treadmills and rowed instead of ran. I’ve done 100’s of air squats in my room and sit-ups on balconies.

I do something every day, because it’s part of my lifestyle. Cruise or not.

If cruising, I embrace that it may not look the same as being in my home gym, but that’s OK. I’m on a cruise ship for crying out loud, what do I have to complain about!