RVParks.us

Before van life I did yoga in a studio 5 days a week. 1,200 square feet of warm beautiful space with hardwood floors. Now my yoga studio is wherever I park. Could be a desert. Could be a Walmart parking lot. Namaste, fluorescent lighting.

Staying physically active on the road takes intentionality. Without a gym routine or studio schedule, its easy to let fitness slide. Here's what I've settled into after 18 months.

Morning Routine (Every Day)

20 minutes of yoga. Inside the van if the weather is bad (yes, downward dog in a Sprinter is possible — barely). Outside on a mat if its nice. I follow Yoga with Adriene on YouTube. Free, no equipment, and she has sessions for every space constraint imaginable.

Hiking Days (3-4x per week)

This is my primary cardio. I hike wherever I am. National parks, state parks, nature trails, even just walking around a town for an hour. I aim for 5+ miles on hiking days. AllTrails keeps me honest about distance.

Strength (2-3x per week)

Bodyweight only. No equipment. Push-ups, squats, lunges, planks, burpees. I follow a simple circuit: 3 rounds of 10 push-ups, 20 squats, 10 lunges each leg, 1-minute plank. Takes 15 minutes. No excuses.

I also carry a single resistance band. Weighs nothing, packs tiny, adds enough variety to keep things interesting.

The Mental Health Angle

Exercise isnt optional for me — its medication. Solo travel amplifies both the highs and the lows. Moving my body every morning is the single most effective thing I do for my mental health. On days I skip it, I notice the difference in my mood by afternoon.

You dont need a gym. You dont need equipment. You dont need a perfect space. You just need to show up for yourself every morning and move. Your body and your mind will thank you.