Arcadia Scotland

I studied abroad this past summer in London, England. Being away from home for about two months threw my fitness journey off a bit, but I found ways to navigate it. I knew my gym routine and eating habits were not going to remain the same. I was in a completely different country, and I traveled to other places during my program too. My main goal was to do what I could with what I had and to find ways to stay active, even if it was something small. My focus was simply to maintain where I was in my journey, improve in small areas when I could, and not stress myself out over it. I reminded myself that I could always bounce back from any lost progress later on, and that it wasn’t worth restricting myself too much.

• I Kept Walking
  No matter which country you’re in, chances are you’ll be walking a lot. Naturally, with my goal being to stay active, this helped me remain consistent with my fitness in some way. There were plenty of days when I averaged over 20,000 steps, and I’m sure many other students can relate. Walking is such a great form of exercise with countless benefits, and I found it to be the best way to really experience and immerse myself in the city.
• I Created a Plan
  Before leaving home, I knew I wanted to get a gym membership while abroad, so I did some research. Since I’d only be in London temporarily, I made sure to find a gym that didn’t require a contract, offered flexibility to cancel, and was close to my housing.
  
  When it came to scheduling, I knew most weekends would be filled with Arcadia excursions or solo trips I planned. My classes ran once a day from Monday through Thursday, which left me time to head to the gym on those days. By choosing consistent days each week and sticking with them, I set myself up for success.
• I Was Realistic
  During my first week in London, I unfortunately caught a viral cold. I decided to take rest days and give myself time to settle in before trying to establish a routine and test out my new gym membership. Between traveling and not feeling well, I ended up taking about a week off from the gym. I was a little nervous to start again, especially in a brand-new environment. Going to a new gym has always felt intimidating, but I reminded myself that once I went in the first time, every visit after would be easier.
• Being Mindful of My Meals
  In London, the food options felt endless. My approach to eating abroad wasn’t about being strict, it was about being mindful. Whether I was grabbing food from a market, a food truck, or a restaurant, I tried to choose meals that felt balanced: protein, grains, veggies, and maybe a little dairy. Of course, that wasn’t always possible (and sometimes I just wanted to enjoy whatever looked good!), but overall I focused on balance rather than perfection, and that made a big difference.
  
  On weekdays, I often had time before class to make myself breakfast. It became a routine that set the tone for my day. Most mornings, I made fruit bowls or quick egg burritos, which gave me the energy to get going. After class, I’d treat myself to coffee, which was one of my favorite parts of living in London. Whether it was trying out a new café or stopping by the little stand by my Tube stop, I always made sure not to drink my iced lattes on an empty stomach.
  
  It was small habits like these—choosing balance, fueling up in the mornings, and pairing treats with real meals—that kept me energized and happy throughout the summer. 

Final Thoughts

Looking back, my fitness journey abroad wasn’t about hitting personal records or sticking to a strict routine. It was about staying flexible, finding balance, and giving myself grace. By focusing on small, consistent habits, I was able to enjoy my time in London fully while still taking care of my health. This experience reminded me that fitness isn’t all-or-nothing—it’s about finding what works for you in the moment and trusting that progress will follow.