Owl x Claire Thomas: Fitness Tips for Life on the Road
We interviewed Claire Thomas—an online health and fitness coach—to see what it takes to maintain a healthy lifestyle while living and working out of a van. The best part? Her recent upgrades from Owl seamlessly integrate with her daily workouts.
Meet Claire: Fitness Pro & Van Life Enthusiast
Claire Thomas’s journey started with a passion for travel and an opportunity to work remotely. With her partner Jared—who works for a supplement company—they hit the road, turning their van into a comfy, mobile home and a portable fitness studio.
“Naturally, working remotely, I wanted to take advantage of this amazing opportunity to travel…That’s what inspired the van for me.”
– Claire Thomas
The Ultimate Van Kitchen
Claire’s kitchen is truly a van life marvel! She opted for a spacious L-shaped countertop (perfect for food preps), a beautiful copper sink, and clever uses of space with pull-up tables and lots of storage—think overhead cabinets, drawers, and even under-the-cushion compartments.
A few of her van life hacks include using Velcro to keep essentials in place and using a pull-out faucet for sandy feet or makeshift showers—since there isn’t a full shower inside.
Storage Solutions
Van life means mastering storage. Claire showed off hidden spaces everywhere: keeping clothes in sliding trays, appliances tucked in cabinets, and even a special spot for hiking gear. Shoes and weights have their dedicated zones, and she uses a curtain rod with clips to neatly hang her collection of hats.
Claire chose our Van Storage Box : Expedition Large to add to her van—providing her with more
Fitting in Fitness—No Matter Where You Are
Staying fit on the road is all about creativity and flexibility. Claire and Jared carry dumbbells for strength training, and with Owl Vans’ help, they installed a pull-up bar right on their van. Most recently, they added a Sprinter Bike Rack and Box Carrier : Rear Door B2 (originally meant for bikes!) which also doubles as sturdy workout equipment for dips and resistance exercises.
“We love to showcase how to stay fit and healthy on the road. It’s not always easy, but we make it work.”
– Claire Thomas
Taking Their Home—and Gym—Everywhere
Perhaps the best part of van life for Claire and Jared is waking up in a new place every day but always sleeping in the same comfy bed. Their story is proof that adventure and a healthy lifestyle really can go hand in hand—even in a tiny, mobile space.
