No access to gym- how to stay in shape?

[hrg217]

I'm going to be abroad for 6 months and will have no access to a gym. Typically, I lift 4x per week and do light cardio 6x, and have made some nice muscle gains. Obviously my main focus abroad will be to have a good time, but Id still like to not lose my gains and stay in good shape. I cannot run often due to problems with my knees. Any ideas on getting in a workout? I've been considering something like a TRX suspension trainer

[joerevans]

TRX is good, and if you can get a good session in with a trainer before you take off, you'll be able to get very good use out of it. Other options are to go true minimalist though. Bodyweight exercises can help you maintain and in some cases even improve on the gains you've already made.
Good resources include "Convict Conditioning", "Beyond Bodybuilding" "building the Gymnastic Body" and "The Naked Warrior". You can also check out web sites like Alkavadlo.com, bodyweightculture.com and beastskills.com for some good minimalist training options.

[hrg217]

thanks for the sources, one thing is i doubt i'll even have a place to do pull-ups which i know is at the core of many bodyweight routines

[joerevans]

If you can't find a place or a way to do pull-ups, you lack imagination. Towel pull-ups only need a tree limb or something similar to drape the towel over. This also has the advantage of doubling as grip work. Get your hands and fingers strong enough, you won't even need a bar to do them on, a simple ledge or even a balcony. There is always a way.

Winners make it happen, Losers make excuses.

[pumplikecuming]

Buy one of those pullup bars. They fit in just about every door. Eat right, do pullups, pushups, jump squats with your body weight. Be creative.

[mmorton]

thanks for the sources, one thing is i doubt i'll even have a place to do pull-ups which i know is at the core of many bodyweight routines

you going to antarctica or something? why couldn't you do pullups somewhere? Joerevans is spot on.

[RamSus007]

I'm going to be abroad for 6 months and will have no access to a gym. Typically, I lift 4x per week and do light cardio 6x, and have made some nice muscle gains. Obviously my main focus abroad will be to have a good time, but Id still like to not lose my gains and stay in good shape. I cannot run often due to problems with my knees. Any ideas on getting in a workout? I've been considering something like a TRX suspension trainer

Use your body weight & you can stay in shape. Push-ups + squats/lunges should do the trick

[Saqmanz]

Ross training has loads of things you could do, also see if you can get hold of his book, never gym less.

[Mirman]

You could do push ups and sit ups on a daily basis. That should help some. Also, you said you can't run because you have trouble with your knees. Would swimming cause the same problem? If not, I highly recommend swimming as a source of cardio. It's one of the best ways to get cardio.

[Ben_the_builder]

Body weight moves can help. Push ups, pull ups, crunches, body weight squats and body weight calf raises should do the trick. You can also do some variations on those too to keep it interesting (doing push ups with your feet elevated, change hand grip on pull ups etc.). Resistance bands can help too and are easy to travel with.

[TonyNail]

Handstand pushups, chins, pullups, pushup variations, buy contractor garbage bags and fill each with 25lbs of sand then put some in a large canvas bag, fill it up with however much weight you want throw it over your shoulders and squat, lunge, press etc. Contractor bags will be at Lowes and Army surplus stores with have large canvas duffel bags.