Before Zumba, there was Jane Fonda’s Workout Record. And before backpacking for two months carrying a 40 pound load on my back, that album became my 80’s version of a ‘personal trainer’.

Thirty years ago, I went on my first big travel adventure – a 2-month long backpacking trip to Italy and Greece with a girlfriend. I put a lot of thought into the planning, read countless guidebooks, did all kinds of research, planned an itinerary that hit all the major attractions, even pre-paid the rent for my apartment that I would be leaving behind in Toronto.

What I hadn’t thought about at the ripe old age of 23, was whether I was fit enough for the adventure to come. It was my girlfriend who brought up the idea of getting in shape for the trip. Three years older and an avid runner, she had backpacked before and understood what was involved. She also understood that transitioning ‘cold turkey’ from an office job where I sat on my ass all day to 60 days of active walking, touring and hauling around my belongings on my back wasn’t going to be easy.

So off I went to the record store (remember those?!) and for a month or so before getting on the plane, it was Jane and I workin’ it out to the Jacksons, Reo Speedwagon and Billy Ocean.

As goofy as it seemed at the time, in hindsight I can thank my friend for saving me even more pain during those first few weeks while we got our ‘travel legs’ under us. The experience also taught me a lesson that has become even more relevant now that I’m getting older: travel can be physically demanding, and enthusiasm alone isn’t enough to get you to the top of that mountain lookout, or down to the bottom of that canyon.

Your inner adventurer may be willing, but a little physical preparation will go a long way towards making your trip of a lifetime a memorable one, not a painful one.

Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

So before booking that 2-day horseback ride in Banff, or the 6-hour hike up to Machu Picchu, book in some Zumba classes at your gym. Or, if you can find a turntable and some leg warmers, a little quality time with Jane Fonda.

Your body will thank you for it.

TIP: You may not be backpacking it any more, but camera equipment or a day pack can weigh you down, too. So start carrying your typical camera equipment or pack around with you on regular walks, to get used to the added weight before heading out on your dream trip.

Jane Canapini

Jane is an award-winning travel writer and photographer and an accredited member of the Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC). In their annual awards competition, TMAC named GrownupTravels.com as the Best Self-Published Travel Blog in 2025 .
She is also a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association, and a freelance travel writer contributing to both print and online publications.