How I kept my new year’s resolution to complete 365 days of fitness – by working out all over the world

A resolution to exercise every day is no mean feat when you’re constantly on the road. Or is it? Calum McSwiggan explains how his 2022 workout pact enriched his travels

Ice swimming in Finland? Your travels can vary up your exercise and wellness routine (Getty/iStock)

Hiking miles through the snow-covered Norwegian forest, I finally reached my cabin in the woods. Piling timber into the open fireplace, I lit a match and watched the frost begin to thaw. But even with limbs tight from the icy outdoors, I wasn’t finished moving and stretching for the day. It was going to be a challenge to get a routine going here, but I was committed to my new year’s resolution: to work out every day for a whole year.

My Norwegian Airbnb listing had suggested that there was some exercise equipment here for guests – but after searching the cabin from top to bottom, all I could find was a pair of olympic rings. Thinking why not? – I hung them from a sturdy ceiling beam and managed an hour of pull-ups before heading to relax in the cabin’s woodfired sauna.

Prior to 2022, I never imagined that I’d be constructing makeshift gyms during a weekend away, but having committed to the challenge on New Year’s Day, I quickly discovered an immense joy and satisfaction in finding creative ways to break a sweat – no matter where in the world I was.