Travel Fit

I like quotes. Over the years I have filled numerous notebooks, but my favourite one since the age of 19 is this:

“For the body is one thing a person will possess throughout life, whatever that person gains or loses, and if he/she neglects it or rejects it, no other gain can compensate for the resulting loss of vitality.”

Being fit to travel opens up endless possibilities to discover, experience and see more. Hop on hop off buses are a good idea to give an overall perspective of a city, but that’s not how you explore the heart and soul of a city hidden in the corners of narrow cobblestoned alleyways. Being close to the ground wherever you go with the time to wander aimlessly or with purpose is when the magic happens.

To walk a goat trodden path high above Lake Como; the quintessential winding white road through the rolling green hills of Tuscany; the nine layers of the Sassi of Matera; the slopes of Mount Etna or any less travelled path will be the unforgettable experiences that only total immersion can promise. This is adventurous travel and this is what Italy delivers with only a moderate level of fitness needed.

Far better to begin your fitness journey at home, rather than return home thinking “I wish I could have walked the Cinque Terre, I should have walked more hills at home”. Whether two months, six months or a year before travelling, small steps and achievable goals make a big difference.

Italy is a hilly, mountainous country. Medieval walled towns perched on the top of mountains have hilly cobblestone streets. And yes, there are steps . . . everywhere. It’s an every day occurrence to see Italians in their sixties, seventies and eighties climbing steep streets and steps to their home with shopping bags in hand with ease. They have been doing it all their lives. The mountains of Sardinia are one of the Blue Zones of the world where there is a high number of centenarians, due in part to daily exercise that is not strenuous, but involves walking steep inclines on a regular basis.

Set some goals and start walking. To be able to walk at least five kilometres is great. To be able to walk five kilometres with small hills is better. Never discount the benefit of incremental exercise. Take the stairs, focus on squats for leg strength, use a stair climber at the gym, find a walking buddy to make you accountable to show up. Achieve what we call “huffy/puffy” exercise - walking that gets you slightly out of breath to improve your cardio fitness.

The good news is that age is irrelevant and it’s never too late. People who begin strength training in their sixties or seventies plus can experience the same gains as younger people. The number one thing you can do to defy the ageing process is to lift weights to improve your muscle strength and your bone density. It’s a fact.

I sometimes think I need a new slogan for Ciao Italy. Invariably at the end of a tour, my travellers tell me they feel fitter and stronger and return home without gaining any weight, despite eating Italian pastries, delicious pasta and amazing Italian desserts every day!

Ci vediamo la prossima settimana.

Deb

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