Staying fit during a liveaboard adventure can be a fun and rewarding part of the cruising lifestyle. Here’s how I keep up with my fitness routine:
I brought TRX bands and resistance bands on board, and they’re fantastic for maintaining strength. My partner and I also do Les Mills workouts and yoga regularly—there’s something about doing yoga on the deck with the sea breeze that makes it even more refreshing. We set up circuit training stations a few times a week, using a timer to keep us on track. It’s challenging but so worth it!
One of the great things about being in a cruising community is the support and camaraderie. We often get invited to other boats for group workouts and have made a point of reaching out on the local VHF morning nets to invite others to join us. It’s such a great way to stay accountable and meet fellow cruisers who are also focused on staying healthy.
In Rio Dulce, Guatemala, where we’re currently anchored, there are yoga classes three days a week, and circuit training sessions twice a week, all organized by other cruisers. Some even head to a local gym with some old but usable equipment for weight training. There’s a sense of everyone coming together to find fun and fitness in the midst of our adventures.
I’ve also become a huge fan of kettlebell workouts. You can do so many different exercises in a small space, and YouTube is an endless source of inspiration for new moves. I’ve found that using a weighted vest can really amp up bodyweight exercises without taking up much room on the boat. Squats, lunges, and even burpees become more challenging with the added weight, and it’s amazing how effective they are.
Of course, space and weight on a boat are precious. While I love my kettlebells, I’ve also been experimenting with using soft scuba weights—they’re multipurpose and don’t take up much room. For cardio, paddling my surfboards or kayak has been fantastic. Even cleaning the hull turns into a bit of a workout!
For a bit more variety, I’ve picked up a Redge Fit System, a Quadropress, and a multi-grip pull-up bar. If you have a place to mount it, a pull-up bar is invaluable, especially for maintaining upper body strength needed for hauling lines. Calisthenics is another go-to, and I’m always inspired by fellow cruisers showing off their skills, like one-handed handstands on the foredeck!
Nutrition plays a huge part in staying fit, so I focus on keeping fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats on board as much as possible. For non-perishables, I look for options that aren’t too calorie-dense but are still nutritious. I’ve been experimenting with cooking Indian dishes because they’re flavorful, healthy, and easy to prepare with limited ingredients. My Mississippi Purple Hull Pea Curry with brown rice has become a staple—spicy, satisfying, and it lasts for days!
Swimming is a must, of course, and windsurfing is on my list to try. I also find that rowing the dinghy gives me a great upper-body workout. And if there’s space, TRX and plyometric routines with a Tabata timer keep things interesting and intense.
Fitness on a liveaboard is all about creativity, community, and having fun while making the most of the environment around you.