How to Stay Fit When You Travel
As a trainer who works with TV execs and celebrities, I know staying in shape while traveling is one of the biggest challenges they face. Here are a few ideas to help you stay in shape no matter where you are.
KEEP YOUR WORKOUT GEAR PACKED. TV producers and field crew always keep a toiletries bag packed so they don’t have to re-pack for every shoot. Do the same thing when it comes to your workout gear. Always have workout stuff in the bag so you don’t have to think about it. A pair of gym shoes can double as running shoes, a shirt made of moisture-wicking fabric, some shorts and a light jacket will usually do the trick. Pack a jump rope for a great cardio workout. Use phone books from the hotel for weights.
WORK OUT FIRST THING IN THE MORNING. You can’t always predict an industry meeting or a business dinner (two things that happen to business travelers). An early workout will set the pace for the rest of your day and ensures that your exercise gets into your schedule.
FIND OUT ABOUT GYM PARTNERSHIPS. Your home gym membership may allow you to work out at affiliated gyms across the country. If you’re a YMCA member, you’re usually welcome at other Y’s for free. And check the hotel where you’re staying—some hotels partner with local gyms for their guests. If your gym doesn’t have clubs in other states, ask your local gym if they have guest passes for other clubs. Sometimes they’re free—sometimes they cost $10-20, but it’s still usually less than the “per visit” fee you’ll pay at a hotel gym.
PACK OR PRE-SHIP BARS & SHAKES. Avoid the unhealthy options in the hotel vending machine and pack or pre-ship your protein bars ahead of time. Fedex and UPS have ground and “super saver” options to make this less expensive than checking that second piece of luggage. For an extended trip, throw in some other things that will tide you over: energy bars, turkey jerky, nuts, protein shakes, and other things on the go. That way it doesn’t take up space in your luggage.
REWARD YOURSELF. At night, reward yourself with a tasty, healthy dinner. If you have a crazy day, you can look forward to a meal at night that’s delicious and good for you.
ALTERNATE ALCOHOL WITH WATER. If you’re compelled to drink alcohol, cut your consumption in half if by alternating each alcoholic beverage with a large glass of water. Remember, drinking alcohol works against more than your waistline—it also interrupts sleep patterns, making the sleep you get less restful.
DON’T LET STRESS DETERMINE WHAT YOU EAT. Travel is stressful. Very often, the first thing we do is we turn to something that’s very comforting. Resolve ahead of time to stick to your healthy routine. When you do have a choice at a restaurant, make healthy meal choices. Most restaurants do tend to have at least one or two options that are a lot more sensible than other options.
DRAW BOUNDARIES. There’s a point where you’ve got to say: “My life starts with me.” Don’t respond to e-mails after 6PM. Leave your cell phone or Blackberry behind for the duration of your exercise time. The world won’t come crashing down. And you’ll feel better because you took charge of your life.
August 25th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
How to you stay in love while traveling? Is that a Blackberry in your pocket? are there tricks to keeping in touch?