A little exercise goes a long way if you’re consistent, says Miriam of MIMFIT, co-founder of Aussie Destinations Unknown and newly appointed Sunland Ambassador. That may seem tricky during full-time travel, but after 12 years of touring on and off, Miriam has a few useful tips for an active life on the road.

Her flexible, multipronged approach draws from nearly 30 years in the fitness industry as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, having taught dance, pilates, and cardio to people of all ages–from preschoolers to seniors–and all abilities, including those with a disability.

Just Start

“Don’t wait till you have all the gear,” says Miriam. “Just start.” Upright routines or short walks after meals make a world of difference for many. Then, as you find your form, invest in quality equipment to expand your workout options.

“I do recommend good quality absorbent yoga mats. I have two Manduka mats, a narrow one for inside and one for outdoors. They’re pricey but have lasted 12 years. You can find something reasonable for less, just get what you can afford.”

Full-time caravanning influenced Miriam’s approach to strength training. Rather than chase gyms, Miriam travels with a few favourite pieces, including Arena Strength Booty & Body Bands that provide a satisfying workout when she’s packing light.

“We had a Hilux and a 3.5T-rated caravan when we started travelling full time, so not much weight. I had to sell my bootcamp gear, which was heartbreaking. I took just one 9kg slamball, two 3kg weights, the booty and body bands, and one slinky hula hoop!”

Miriam now carries steps, and y-bells, which she highly recommends if you have the space: “You can use them for push-ups and weight training, and they won’t roll around.”

Finding the Space

On the road, the world’s your gym–until the weather weighs in. Even the surface you’re camped on affects your workout, especially when travelling year-round. When the weather’s good, Miriam enjoys workouts under the awning or in a tranquil spot, sometimes opting for upright routines when the ground isn’t suitable for a mat.

In fact, Miriam has developed effective routines for small spaces in various fitness disciplines, including Tabata and HIIT, dance, weight training and mobility, targeting different levels, which she shares on her Patreon Channel, MIMFIT, for a monthly fee. She also demonstrates how to work out in a caravan with a few modifications.

“I’ve always made the best of the situation,” says Miriam. “I don’t recommend jumping or dropping dumbbells onto the floor inside the van, but you can still do low impact workouts that will get the heart rate up and build muscle.”

If it’s accessible, moving a squat to a high kick is a low impact exercise that will raise your heart rate without shaking the floor.

Mobilise for Movement

Whether you’re new or returning to exercise, recovering from an injury, or improving performance, Miriam recommends mobility exercises targeting various muscles–especially for the physical demands of setting up camp.

She is releasing a series of video tutorials on her Patreon Channel focused on mobility targeting different fitness levels, including an all-upright routine demonstrated in a caravan corridor.

“We rotate and strengthen the feet, wrists, and arms, gently work the neck, engage the core, and open the hip joints.

“That is a ball and socket joint. Something walking can’t target on its own.”

During the Commute

Miriam enjoys deep stretches like forward folds and Hindu squats as they stop. Indeed, forward folds benefit the novice to the advanced exerciser alike, but how this looks varies from body to body.

“It’s vital you listen to your body,” says Miriam. “The stretch should feel gentle but effective, not painful. Always work to your ability, and breathe.”

This Standing Pec Stretch is another wonderful move you can do at your next rest stop–using a stable support like the door of your car.

“This exercise helps open up the chest, improve posture, and relieve tension from long periods sitting in the car.”

Miriam also recommends the following Core & Pelvic Floor Activation for better posture during long drives.

MIRIAM’S TOP TIPS FOR STAYING ACTIVE

• Use what you have: No fancy equipment needed; start with bodyweight exercises or simple movements
• Set realistic goals: Focus on small, achievable steps to build consistency
• Celebrate progress wisely: Reward yourself with non-food treats like a new workout top or a relaxing bath
• Move after meals: A 15-minute walk helps digestion and keeps you active

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