Introduction

This study investigates how active travelers—those who exercise at least once per week—maintain fitness routines while traveling. It explores preparation strategies, technology usage, and motivators influencing fitness behavior away from home.

Challenge

Maintaining fitness routines while traveling can be challenging due to:

• Lack of access to facilities or equipment.

• Poor planning or preparation before travel.

• Limited technological support to integrate fitness into travel plans.

Research Questions:

1. How do active travelers prepare for fitness-related activities while traveling?

2. What tools or resources do they use to plan workouts?

3. How does preparation impact fitness adherence during travel?

Key Insights from Research:

1. High-frequency exercisers (3+ times/week) are more likely to maintain their fitness routines during travel than low-frequency exercisers.

2. Preparation effort correlates positively with activity levels while traveling.

3. Social media plays a smaller motivational role for frequent exercisers, who rely more on intrinsic motivation and routine efficiency​​.

Solution

Research Methods:

1. Observation:

   • 5 participants observed while packing for fitness-focused trips.

   • Used the AEIOU Framework to track Activities, Environments, Interactions, Objects, and Users​.

2. Interviews:

   • 5 in-depth interviews with participants aged 24–59.

   • Explored preparation habits, technology usage, and motivations​.

3. Survey:

   • 66 respondents analyzed using Qualtrics.

   • Measured correlations between preparation and fitness routines​.

Results

1. Preparation is Critical:

• Participants who packed workout-specific gear and dietary supplements were more likely to stay active during travel​.

• “I always bring protein bars and an empty water bottle because I know TSA won’t let me carry liquids.” – Participant

2. Technology Plays a Supporting Role:

• Apps like Map My Run and MindBody Connect were used, but participants noted gaps, including lack of integration with hotel gym information​.

3. Fitness Accommodations Matter:

• Frequent exercisers selected hotels based on gym facilities, proximity to trails, and access to outdoor spaces​.

• “I planned my hotel around running routes and gym availability.” – Participant

4. Motivation Differs Between Groups:

• High-frequency exercisers relied on internal discipline, while low-frequency exercisers leveraged social media for accountability and inspiration​.

These insights can inform the development of tools for fitness-focused travelers, potentially increasing adoption rates for fitness planning apps and services by targeting key motivators—convenience, preparation, and community support.

Reflection:

Lessons Learned:

• Preparation routines predict adherence to fitness goals.

• Tech integration for travel-specific fitness needs is currently underdeveloped.

• Future research should examine fitness-related travel behavior during actual trips (vs. pre-travel planning).

Conclusion

This study highlights the role of preparation, technology, and fitness accommodations in supporting active travelers. It reveals gaps in current solutions and opportunities to develop more robust tools for fitness-oriented travel planning.

Future Directions:

• Explore features like real-time gym availability and fitness class reservations in travel apps.

• Investigate dietary and nutrition support for fitness-focused travelers.

• Assess the long-term impact of travel on workout routines and health outcomes.