Staying fit while traveling in an RV or camping can be tricky, especially when space is limited and your routine is constantly changing. However, with the right portable workout gear, it’s entirely possible to stay on top of your fitness, even on the road or at a campsite. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just trying to stay active, there are plenty of lightweight, compact pieces of equipment that can help you stay in shape without taking up too much room in your RV or camp setup.
I’ve personally found that incorporating gear like an iron mace, kettlebell, and resistance bands into my routine has made all the difference while traveling. These tools not only provide a full-body workout but are easy to store and travel with. In this guide, we’ll explore the best portable workout gear for RV travelers and camp workouts, including examples of exercises you can do with each. You can also check out our RV workout plan for more ideas on how to create a flexible workout routine on the road or at your campsite.
For more tips on staying fit and maintaining good health while traveling, check out our guide on how to stay healthy on RV trips.
1. Iron Mace
The iron mace may not be as well-known as other fitness equipment, but it’s incredibly effective for full-body strength training. Its unique shape and uneven weight distribution force you to engage stabilizer muscles, improving your balance and coordination while strengthening your core. This is a great tool for both RV fitness routines and campground workouts where minimal equipment is needed.
Why it’s great for RVers and Campers: The iron mace is compact, durable, and can provide a wide range of challenging workouts. It’s especially great for those looking to build functional strength with minimal equipment at the campsite or in the RV.
Workouts:
- Mace 360: Hold the iron mace with both hands, feet shoulder-width apart. Swing the mace around your head like a kettlebell halo, engaging your core and shoulders as you control the movement.
- Overhead Press: Hold the mace with both hands close to the weighted end. Press the mace overhead, keeping your core tight. This exercise works your shoulders, arms, and core.
- Lunges with Mace: Hold the mace in front of your chest while performing lunges. The added weight challenges your stability and increases the difficulty.
For more details, you can watch this Iron Mace workout video to get started.
2. Kettlebell
A kettlebell is one of the most versatile pieces of fitness equipment you can bring with you on the road or to the campsite. They are a perfect addition to your RV workout gear. It’s compact, effective, and provides both strength and cardio benefits, making it perfect for camp workouts or RV fitness routines.
Why it’s great for RVers and Campers: Kettlebells are compact, easy to store, and offer a full-body workout. You can target multiple muscle groups with just one piece of equipment, saving space and maximizing efficiency whether you’re in an RV or at camp.
Workouts:
- Kettlebell Swings: Hold the kettlebell with both hands, hinge at your hips, and swing the kettlebell forward and up to shoulder height. This explosive movement works your hamstrings, glutes, and core.
- Goblet Squats: Hold the kettlebell at chest height with both hands, feet shoulder-width apart. Lower into a squat while keeping the kettlebell in front of you. This exercise targets your legs and core.
- Turkish Get-Up: Lie on the floor with the kettlebell in one hand, arm extended. Slowly rise to a standing position, keeping the kettlebell overhead the entire time. This is an advanced full-body workout that improves stability and strength.
You can follow this Kettlebell workout video for some great exercises.
3. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are one of the best tools for RV travelers or campers due to their light weight and flexibility. They offer various levels of resistance and can be used for both strength training and stretching during your outdoor workouts or campground exercise routines.
Why it’s great for RVers and Campers: Resistance bands are incredibly portable and take up virtually no space. You can store them in a drawer or small bag, and they offer a great alternative to weights during your travel fitness routine.
Workouts:
- Band Rows: Attach the resistance band to a stable surface (like a door or tree). Hold the handles and step back to create tension. Pull the bands toward your chest, squeezing your shoulder blades together. This exercise targets your upper back and arms.
- Band Squats: Place the band under your feet and hold the handles at shoulder height. Perform a squat while maintaining tension in the band, adding resistance to your lower body workout.
- Standing Chest Press: Secure the band behind you and hold the handles with both hands. Push forward as if you’re performing a bench press, targeting your chest and shoulders.
If you need ideas, this Resistance Bands workout video has some great exercises to try.
4. Adjustable Dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells are a fantastic solution for RV travelers or campers who want multiple weight options without the bulk of a full dumbbell set. With just one set, you can switch between different weight levels, making it easy to customize your workout for any location, whether it’s at your campsite or inside your RV.
Why it’s great for RVers and Campers: Adjustable dumbbells save space while offering a wide range of weight options. They’re perfect for strength training and can be easily stored in a small corner of your RV or packed away when camping.
5. Suspension Trainer (e.g., TRX)
A suspension trainer is another great piece of portable workout gear for both RVers and campers. It allows you to use your own body weight for a full-body workout and can be easily attached to trees, doors, or your RV itself.
Why you need this RV workout gear: Suspension trainers are lightweight, take up minimal space, and can be set up almost anywhere, making them perfect for campground workouts or RV fitness routines.
6. Jump Rope
A jump rope is a simple yet effective tool for RV travelers and campers. It provides a quick cardio workout that can be done almost anywhere, making it a great option for those looking to boost their heart rate while traveling.
Why it’s great piece of RV workout gear for Campers: Compact, lightweight, and easy to store, jump ropes are perfect for high-intensity cardio sessions in small spaces or outdoors at campgrounds.
7. Yoga Mat
A yoga mat is essential for stretching, yoga, or bodyweight exercises. It provides a comfortable surface to work out on, and it rolls up neatly for easy storage in your RV or at your campsite.
Why it’s great for RVers and Campers: A yoga mat offers comfort and protection during workouts and can be used for both exercise and relaxation.
Proper sun protection is essential for RVers, and knowing how the UV index impacts your travels can help you stay safe during outdoor activities.
Conclusion
Staying fit on the road or while camping is easier than ever with the right portable workout gear. Whether you’re using an iron mace for strength training, kettlebells for a full-body workout, or resistance bands for flexibility and strength, there are plenty of options that can fit into your RV or camping lifestyle. The key is choosing equipment that fits your needs and your space, so you can stay active no matter where your travels take you. For more information on staying fit while traveling, check out our guide on RV workouts without equipment.