Tips from Life on the Road — 3 Years and Counting
When you live in a vehicle full-time, one of the biggest challenges (and surprises) is staying healthy—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Between unpredictable weather, limited space, and always being on the move, it's easy to fall into survival mode and let wellness take a backseat.
But after three years of living in a car, I’ve found that it’s not only possible to stay fit and healthy on the road—it’s actually easier in some ways. With fewer distractions and more time outdoors, I’ve created routines that help me feel strong, energized, and mentally balanced, even without a gym or kitchen.
Here’s an honest look at what I do to stay fit, eat well, sleep better, and keep my mind right while living out of a vehicle.
💪 Movement: Staying Active with No Gym Required
Let’s get this out of the way: You don’t need a gym membership to stay fit. The world is your gym when you’re living on the road.
My Go-To Fitness Habits:
1. Daily Walks & Hikes
Whether it’s a quick stroll through a local park or a multi-mile trail hike, I try to walk every single day. It clears my head, boosts circulation, and keeps my energy up.
2. Bodyweight Workouts
I keep it super simple—no equipment needed. Here’s a typical 15–20 minute workout I do on a yoga mat outside or even in a parking lot:
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Squats
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Push-ups
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Lunges
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Planks
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Mountain climbers
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Stretching at the end
Sometimes I’ll follow along with free workout videos on YouTube, especially if I need structure or motivation.
3. Stretching & Mobility
Every morning and before bed, I do 5–10 minutes of stretching. Living in a car can wreck your posture if you’re not careful, so I focus on hip openers, back stretches, and shoulder mobility.
4. Stay Moving on Travel Days
On days when I drive a lot, I make it a point to stop every couple hours, walk around, and stretch. It’s a game-changer for circulation and stiffness.
🍎 Nutrition: Eating Well with Limited Resources
You don’t need a full kitchen to eat healthy. I’ve learned how to balance fresh foods with shelf-stable staples and keep my meals simple, filling, and nutritious.
My Core Eating Habits:
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Lots of fruits & veggies: Apples, oranges, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bananas, etc. Easy to store and eat.
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Lean proteins: Canned beans, tuna, eggs, tofu, lentils, or plant-based protein bars.
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Healthy fats: Nut butter, seeds, olive oil, avocado (when I find a good one).
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Whole grains: Oats, brown rice, quinoa, whole grain wraps.
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Limit sugar & processed foods: I’m not perfect, but I try to minimize snacks that spike energy and crash it later.
I cook on a portable butane stove, use a small cooler for perishables, and drink a lot of water—usually from a 5-gallon jug I refill at parks or rest stops.
Pro tip: I prep meals in bulk when I can and always keep backup snacks for when I can’t cook.
😴 Sleep: Getting Rest in a Car Isn’t Always Easy
Sleep affects everything—energy, mood, focus, and even immune health. When I first started this lifestyle, getting solid rest was hard. But I’ve learned a few tricks.
My Sleep Setup Essentials:
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Blackout window covers
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A good sleeping pad or foam mattress
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Layers of blankets or a solid sleeping bag
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A small fan or white noise app
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Earplugs + eye mask
I try to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day, and I never sleep in unsafe areas. Feeling secure makes a huge difference for deep, restful sleep.
🧠 Mental Health: The Other Half of Wellness
Physical health means nothing if your mental health is in the gutter. Vehicle life can get lonely, chaotic, or overwhelming at times, so I’ve built habits to support my emotional well-being too.
My Mental Health Musts:
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Daily journaling (even just a few lines to check in)
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Regular calls or voice messages with friends/family
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Time in nature—grounding myself with a walk, beach visit, or mountain view
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Podcasts and audiobooks for inspiration and mindset boosts
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Digital boundaries—I try not to doom scroll or compare my life to others
And when I’m having a rough day? I remind myself that it’s okay to not be productive. Rest is part of the process.
💧 Hydration: So Simple, So Easy to Forget
I keep a 5-gallon water jug in my trunk and refill smaller bottles throughout the day. I aim for at least 2 liters a day—more when it’s hot or I’ve been active.
I also keep electrolyte packets around for long hikes or summer days when I’m sweating more than usual.
🧼 Hygiene & Cleanliness
Feeling healthy isn’t just about food and workouts—it’s also about staying clean and fresh.
Here’s what helps:
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Wipes & dry shampoo for no-shower days
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Planet Fitness membership for regular showers and workouts
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Laundry once a week at laundromats or campsite facilities
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Daily face wash & teeth brushing routine with a water bottle and towel
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Keeping the car clean and decluttered—makes a big mental difference
🧭 Routine = Freedom
Ironically, having a routine is what gives me the most freedom on the road. My days aren’t rigid, but I have a general flow:
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Mornings: Wake up, stretch, walk, coffee, journaling
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Midday: Work, explore, cook, move my body
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Evening: Wind down, dinner, clean up, reflect or read
When I follow this flow, everything just feels better—body, mind, and spirit.
✨ Final Thoughts
Staying fit and healthy while living in a vehicle is 100% possible—and honestly, it’s been one of the best parts of this lifestyle for me. Without a traditional routine or space, I’ve had to get intentional. I’ve learned how to listen to my body, simplify my habits, and build a life that prioritizes well-being.
You don’t need a gym, a kitchen, or a massive pantry. You just need a little creativity, some consistency, and a commitment to taking care of yourself, wherever you park.
Have questions about health on the road? Want a breakdown of my fitness routine, a meal prep guide, or a checklist of my favorite health essentials? Drop a comment or message—I’d love to help however I can!
🛻💪🌿
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