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Who needs a gym when you’ve got an RV?!
Back when James and I were in the Great American Cookoff, the film crew had staged a bunch of RVs around the campground. So naturally, with all the downtime we had, my brain went right to using those RVs to create a workout… THIS workout! And if the exercises look familiar, that’s because I already shared them in the July issue of RV Magazine. I write regularly for RV Magazine (James does, too), so consider subscribing!
Now let’s delve into this workout plan! There are 7 bodyweight exercises that together will hit all your major muscle groups. It works for all levels, from seniors and beginners all the way to regular exercisers. The best part, besides how FUN it is, is it requires no equipment… besides your RV! My hope is you’ll use this workout plan when you’re traveling. Because I really do get it. RVing has a way of messing with your healthy habits and good intentions. When we’re on the road, we get out of our routine, distracted by our travels, and strength training easily gets pushed to the back of the brain. But if we want to age well, and be around to RV a long long time, we really do need to exercise, even when we’re on vacation.
If you try it, do let me know (comment below)! As always, I’m rooting for you! Stay strong, friends! xo
The RV Workout
DIRECTIONS: Do this workout 3 times a week, and make sure to go through each exercise 3 times. Your body will love it, and so will you!
EXERCISE 1: Sideways Shuffle
Get your heart rate up and your body warmed up with this fun move! Start at one end of your RV, and then quickly side shuffle (or sideways step for beginners) the entire length of your RV. Return to your starting point to complete one repetition. Do this 5-15 times, depending on your fitness level (and the length of your RV!).
EXERCISE 2: Row Squats
Your galley sink, or any railing, works great for this fantastic full-body move. Grasp your sink, and perform a squat driving your hips back as far as you can ensuring you’re bending your knees as you drive back, with your weight on your heels. Use your arms to pull you back up to standing, squeezing your shoulder blades together as you return to start. Do 12-20 reps.
EXERCISE 3: Yoga Pushups
Lie on your bed, or a yoga mat on the floor, with your palms planted flat on the bed to the sides of your chest. Push up to your knees and without pausing, move back to Child’s Pose, where you’re sitting on your heels with your arms outstretched over your head. Continue moving between Child’s Pose and lying flat on the bed, for 12-20 reps.
EXERCISE 4: Step-up Hip Extensions
Using your RV steps, or any raised step you have, plant your left foot on the step keeping your right foot on the ground. Straighten your left leg as you slowly lift (not kick!) your right leg up behind you. Use good posture and stay upright. Slowly return your right leg back to the ground to complete one rep. Do all reps on this side before switching feet and repeating on the other side. Do 8-20 reps per side.
EXERCISE 5: Hip Hinge
Facing a chair (seniors, use a table), stand with your feet hip width apart. Keeping your legs mostly straight with just a slight knee bend, hinge at the hips by driving your hips backwards. Your back stays neutral and do not allow it to round at all. As you hinge, reach for the chair seat (or table top) with your hands. Allow your knees to bend as much as they need to so you can ensure your back stays flat and has absolutely no rounding. Once you’ve touched it, raise back up, again without allowing any rounding of your spine. Do 8-20 reps.
EXERCISE 6: Side-Plank Knee Crunch
Get in a side-plank against a wall, with your forearm on the wall and your feet as far out from the wall as you can safely go. Ensure your body remains in a straight line from ankles to shoulders. Tighten your core. Reach your outer arm up, and then drive your outer knee and outer elbow together as you exhale and contract the muscles on the side of your trunk. Return to start to complete one rep. Do all reps on this side before switching to the other. Do 8-20 reps.
EXERCISE 7: Single Knee Hugs
Lie on your back on your bed, or a yoga mat on the floor. Round your spine up and tighten your core. Hold your trunk like that throughout the whole set. Slowly drive one knee into your chest and grasp it with both hands to pull it in even tighter, while the other leg remains straight and lifted up off the floor (beginners should lift the straightened leg up higher). Simultaneously (and very slowly) switch legs and then hug the other knee into your chest to complete one rep. Continue alternating knee hugs and do 8-20 reps.
WOMP! You’re done!
Now go have a fit-tabulous day! xoxo
Just LOVE how you put cautions in for seniors! and use whatever is around for your exercise programs showing people how fitness is possible while traveling. Keep it up Steph!
Thanks for reminding me of things I used to share with my occupational therapy patients before I retired.