The best part about the RV camping is that there’s a lot of activity built in. Not only does it take some muscle to get camp set up and tear down, but the activities and exercises you embark upon during your camping time are typically more active and engaged and outdoors, all of which have a positive effect on our minds and bodies.  Exploring outdoor spaces offers some of the best options when it comes to exercising while camping. The goal, really, is to stay active and enjoy what you’re doing.

 

What are the benefits of an active lifestyle?

There are obvious physical benefits to living an active lifestyle: It lowers the risk of chronic conditions, improves blood circulation, maintains muscle mass, and assists with weight management. On the mental health side of things, regular physical activity releases endorphins, lifting mood and helping us to better manage stress; fights cognitive decline; boosts energy; and improves sleep quality.

While camping can be mostly active, the travel time in between spots hinders exercise. There can be long periods of sitting while driving. During these times, it’s important to eat healthy and stay hydrated. Stopping every couple of hours for a short walk, or incorporating some sight-seeing stops along the way to your destination, will help you combat that decreased energy you feel and get the blood moving.

 

Is any exercise equipment needed?

Some folks don’t feel like they are working out unless they are lifting weights or using some type of equipment. Yet, it’s important that it doesn’t take much to make an impact. There are workouts in which your own body weight is the only tool you need. Packable exercise equipment options include a resistance band, a jump rope, a yoga mat, and some light dumbbells.

If the weather is poor during your camping time, there are still ways to manage exercise. Many RVs aren’t large enough to accommodate an indoor exercise routine, depending on what it is. If you have an awning that can protect you from the elements, make that space your gym for the day. An amenity that some RV parks and RV resorts offer is an on-site fitness center or on-site exercise classes; this is something you could include in your search criteria when researching for a place to camp. Otherwise, consider a gym membership that works for a network of gyms (such as Planet Fitness or the YMCA), or purchase a day pass to a local gym.

 

Woman hiking in a Michigan forest

What are some outdoor activities, and where should I go?

Hiking: Hiking is low cost and highly variable. You have your choice of difficulty as well as landscapes in Michigan. Make sure to do your research ahead of time so that you are prepared, as well as get inside information from the campground owners. A hike can be as simple as walking the connected trails nearest your chosen campground, as momentous as hiking of the North Country Trail, which weaves its way across much of both peninsulas, or as ambitious as traversing 200 feet of sand dunes.

  • Picturesque Hiking Trails Across Michigan – featuring Bare Bluffs Trail, Canyon Gorge Trail, Empire Bluffs Trail, Nordhouse Dunes Loop, Nagel Beach Loop, Tawas Point Sandy Hook Nature Trail, Saugatuck Dunes South Trail, Lost Lake Trail, Crooked Lake Trail, and Hickory Ridge Trail
  • Escape to These 12 Michigan Walking Trails – featuring Whitefish Point Trail, Yellow Dog Falls, Betsie Valley Trail, Fred Meijer White Pine Trail, Port Crescent State Park Trail, Huron Sunrise Trail, Flat River Trail, Lansing River Trail, Barton Nature Area, Border-to-Border Trail, Paint Creek Trail, Dequindre Cut Greenway
  • Explore History and Nature Through Michigan Heritage Trails – Haywire Grade Trail, Iron Ore Heritage Trail, Kal-Haven Heritage Trail

 

Swimming: Michigan has the longest freshwater coast in the world, more than 3,000 miles! The expanse of the Great Lakes reminds many of the vast ocean, only without the salt and sharks. In addition to the hundreds of beaches to be found along the coasts, there are seemingly countless inland lakes and streams in which to swim. Rockhounds can find treasures for their collections including Petoskey stones, agates, and Yooper Lites. Swimming is a wonderful low-impact activity that is generally gentle on the core systems and muscles of the body, and the water is refreshing on a hot summer day, too!

 

Biking: What would camping be without bringing a bike along? For kids, bikes offer the freedom to roam the campground and grab an ice cream bar at the campground convenience store. For adults, they offer easy transportation and low-impact exercise. But bikes can be used for more than just pedaling around the campground.  Michigan is home to the greatest collection and network of trails in the country: rail trails, mountain bike trails, the list goes on. There are 1,300 miles of biking trails. Some cross the entire state while others remain within a state park or as a connection between towns. Bike trails can be urban or remote. Paved or dirt. The choice is up to you.

 

Paddling: All this water means it’s a main attraction and an excellent way to spend your time. Boating, kayaking, floating down a lazy river in a tube, paddleboarding, sailing, fly fishing, and swimming are popular choices for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to getting a little exercise, you’ll be able to encounter beautiful scenery regardless of the particular pastime you choose.