COTF November Traveler Of The Month: Johnny Garvey

I've met tons of amazing travelers that enjoy fitness throughout my travels from Berlin to Bangkok and in between. One of my favorite parts about my blog is connecting with fellow travelers and showcasing how they stay fit on the road and learning more about them! So it's about damn time that I do a traveler of the month piece. This will build off my Five Fitness Faces series I did back in July and I will now do this monthly. I could not be more excited to feature my friend and fellow Açai berry lover, Johnny Garvey. Johnny is originally from Kilrush, Ireland, but I think his heart truly beats for Brazil. He quit his job and decided to move to the country for at least 6 months, but we will see if he ever comes back! He absolutely loves the country, speaks Portuguese, and has been back several times. He may even be there right now ;) Without further ado, CarryOnTravelFitness November Traveler Of The Month, Johnny Garvey, ladies and gentlemen:

1. Where are you right now? How did you end up there?

Right now I’m in a budget hotel in the centre of Manaus, Brazil! Manaus located in the heart of the Amazon. It was always a dream of mine to experience living in the Amazon. And it’s hot. That I like!

Johnny, Kaity, and I Working Out In Montréal

2. What’s your normal fitness routine?

Usually I’d hit the gym Monday, Wednesday and Friday for heavy resistance - covering each body part at least once. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday I like to do a mix of HIIT, TRX or other functional training. Lunchtime is my preferred time of day to workout.

3. How are you staying fit while traveling?

I’ve been making good use of the open-air workout stations dotted throughout the major cities. Bodyweight provides enough resistance to work most of the muscle groups. Having said that, I’m never too far from a gym so I’ve been going to whichever one is closest to me!

4. What is your favorite place that you have traveled to? Why?

Rio de Janeiro holds a special place in my heart. It’s the only place I’ve been where I felt like I belonged there. It must be a mixture of the beach culture, combined with the geography of the city, the people and the urban & artistic vibe.

5. How do you balance healthy eating while sampling the local cuisine?

Brazilian dishes are very heavy on carbs. Rice and french fries are served with not most, but a lot of meals. I tend to take whatever local meat or fish option is going and swap the fries for extra salad. Rice I eat every now and then. There are some local foods that are incredibly difficult to turn down. The most notorious is açai - a sort of dessert made from açai berries and served with fresh fruit and other toppings. It’s calorie rich but incredibly tasty and full of energy!

6. 3 words to describe your fitness regime

Dynamic. Cultural. Rewarding.

7. What is your motto when you travel?

Use your free time for self improvement!

8. What is your most embarrassing travel story

I once called an Uber in Manaus, Brazil. The driver arrived at the other side of the road and parked in front of a sidewalk with several crowded bus stops. There must have been over a hundred people waiting for buses, all in a line. I was standing at the other side of the road with my cell phone in-hand - verifying the number plate. Within 5 seconds I became the actor in a very small movie with over 100 spectators! With a huge backpack, I stumbled across the road - feeling the gaze of the mob with every step. I’ve never felt so helpless and awkward in all my life!

9. Solo Travel or Partner/ Group Travel?

I thrive as a solo traveller with accommodation in a private room in a hostel. Love the combination of privacy and social interaction!

10. Any advice for someone that wants to stay in shape while they travel

Be consistent with training - try to do a little bit every day, even if it’s just a few push ups in a hotel room. The idea is to retain muscle memory. Use your free time when traveling to seek out the healthiest places to eat and make a habit of going there once a day. Routine is everything when staying fit! And finally, have fun! Working out when traveling is a great way to meet like-minded individuals from the area.

Thanks so much for your time, Johnny! Enjoy your time in Brazil. If you want to be featured or know someone who loves fitness and traveling that I can feature, drop me a message @carryontravel.fitness@gmail.com or in my Contact page.

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