Here’s a paradox about full-time RV travel. Let’s call it the RV Exercise Paradox.

If you camp for a short period of time, you probably spend a LOT of time outdoors getting exercise. You go to your campsite, set up camp, and explore your surroundings with gusto.

But if you camp a long period of time, you may actually spend less time exercising on a daily basis. Why? The reasons are varied.

First of all, familiarity breeds contempt. While that phrase seems a little extreme in this context, it’s true that the more familiar you become with your surroundings, the less likely you are to explore them.

It kind of works this way with food. Lobster every once in a while is a treat. But what if you have lobster every day? How about lobster three meals a day? Pretty soon you’ll be begging for a taste of peanut butter.

In other words, the more accustomed you become to being at a campground or park, the less “gung ho” you are about any particular park. It’s just another place to park your rig.

Secondly, if you camp all the time, that means in bad weather as well as good. Inclement weather means you’ll be spending lots of time nestled inside your RV cocoon. While nestling can be a quite satisfying activity, it doesn’t burn a lot of calories.

Finally, there are some space and amenity compromises in most RVs. In our Airstream, we can’t exactly do jumping jacks in the living room. While theoretically possible, I’d probably whack my head on the ceiling and require medical treatment.

So what’s the solution for the RV Exercise Paradox? Have a plan, and stick to it.

When Kristy and I take to the road for an extended journey, we now strive to at least take long walks on a daily basis. While this doesn’t solve the inclement weather problem, at least it gets us outside.

If you have a larger RV, then maybe you can do Wii Fit or a similar indoor exercise program.

Either way, be aware that RV travel by itself doesn’t guarantee a fit lifestyle. That’s up to you!