Best Tips to Stay Fit While Studying Abroad on a Gap Year

During your gap year abroad, sharing meals with new friends and trying new dishes will be a big part of your experience. With food taking such a central place, you may wonder how to stay fit while studying abroad. 

These fitness tips for travelers will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle while enjoying your experience and creating memories that will last forever. Spoiler—they don't involve dieting, going to the gym, or skipping dessert! 

1. Be Flexible and Open to New Routines 

Maintaining a healthy body weight and incorporating movement into your daily routine are essential for good health. You might have done this at home by regularly playing sports, going to the gym or eating a special diet. However, living abroad often means letting go of your routines! 

Whether it's the food you eat, the classes you attend, or the family you live with, studying abroad comes with massive shifts in day-to-day life. Just as you enter the experience with an open mind around your new city and new host family, try not to rigidly pursue the same fitness routine you had while living in the U.S. Instead, accept that that, too, will be different during this time. 

Prioritize doing what you came to do—learning a language, immersing yourself in the local culture, sightseeing, building relationships with people of many cultures, and being present for all these incredible experiences. While doing that, look closely at how the locals stay active and healthy and try something new! 

Remember that CIEE Gap Year Abroad programs offer 24/7 health and safety support along with comprehensive travel protection during your program. 

2. Look for Ways to Move, Not Work Out 

While gyms and dieting are popular health trends in the U.S., they are less prevalent in many places abroad, including Europe and Asia. 

In Tokyo, people take part in activities like judo and karate to improve their fitness. In Paris, the locals enjoy walking to work, taking the stairs, or an after-dinner stroll. In Berlin, one of the preferred modes of transit is by bicycle. 

How can you incorporate travel fitness into your daily routine? Can you walk more rather than take public transit? Is there a hiking trail nearby to enjoy on the weekend? Is there a local group fitness activity you could join at a community center? 

You might also "sneak in" fitness at home, such as having a short morning yoga routine before language class or doing push-ups while listening to a podcast in the local language. An interesting mental exercise is to consider fitness as something that blends into life's essential activities rather than an activity all to itself. 

3. Play Sports and Be Active with New Friends 

While dieting and gyms might not be as popular abroad as in America, every country has its favorite sport. Playing sports is a great way to be active and meet people at the same time. 

Just like in the U.S., it's likely that your new community has sports clubs for young adults. Pick-up games are popular abroad, too, so you may be able to join others playing in local parks or beaches. 

Check out the most popular sports in CIEE Gap Year Abroad locations. 

• Soccer: France, Germany, Italy, Morocco, Spain 
• Baseball: Japan 

Depending on where you live, there might be other fun activities to try that will keep you fit and healthy, like swimming, surfing, hiking, or dancing. 

4. Nurture a Positive Self Image 

Embracing the adventure of studying abroad means more than just exploring new places; it's about discovering new aspects of yourself and nurturing a positive self-image. Having a fit study abroad experience can be nice, but don't skip enjoying the delicious food and fully immersing yourself in the local culture.  

During your gap year abroad, focus on balance and well-being and cherish every moment! 

Spending a Gap Year Abroad With CIEE 

If you're still searching for the perfect gap year program, consider the opportunities that CIEE offers. We provide gap program options that allow you to improve your language skills, live with a host family, and have an unforgettable experience before starting your college career.