Keeping up with your workouts when you’re traveling, whether for business or vacation, can be tough and frustrating at times. You may have been banking on the hotel’s fitness center but find it’s too busy or there’s broken equipment when you arrive. Maybe you planned on going outside for a walk or run but there’s a safety concern in the area you’re staying.
Either way, sometimes your best intentions get thrown off by circumstances. Pilatesology
4 Easy Tips for Travel Workout
1. Book at hotel with a pool or fitness center.
A good place to start is with your accommodations. Book a hotel room that has a pool or fitness center. Take a look at photos on their website or a travel booking site to see what the areas look like. It will give you a better idea of what you’re dealing with. A travel booking site will also have reviews of the hotel, fitness center and surrounding areas. You can also visit their website or Facebook page to ask a question, for instance, is the center heavily used and is everything in working order. If you’re a big swimmer and book a room at a hotel with a pool, you want to know the pool isn’t closed for repairs.
2. Pack easy to use exercise equipment.
When you’re packing your bags, toss in a jump rope and resistance bands. Both are lightweight and take up little room. Many hotels also have DVD players so you can also bring along your favorite workout DVD or use an online fitness program such as Athleticulture and Pilatesology on your laptop or tablet in your room. These options guarantee a workout even if there’s no fitness center. This is really a great back-up for all trips whether for business or vacation even if you are planning on using the hotel’s facilities.
3. Find out about nearby outdoor recreation spots.
Upon arrival at your hotel, ask the staff about nearby parks and walking and running trails. Some cities even have bike and paddle board rentals that you could take advantage of. Check out deals on local fitness classes or just call around to a few studios and see if they’re offering any one-time deals for first timers. This might be a great time to try out a different club or new activity you haven’t tried before. Join the locals! Every region has a sport or activity they are well known for due to local terrain, these often determine some of the local favorite sports and a great opportunity to try something new—biking around the lakes or on trails, strapping on a pair of roller blades, zip lining, wind surfing, cross country skiing or swimming.
4. Pack healthy foods.
No matter where you’re going, it’s always smart to pack healthy snacks like nuts, dried fruit and protein bars in your carry-on. If you’re left with options on the road or in airports, you’re likely to cheat and eat whatever is easy which is typically unhealthy. Once you’re at your destination, purchase fruit, raw veggies, yogurts and other healthy staples at a nearby grocery store or farmer’s market upon arrival and keep them in your hotel fridge. Skip the breakfast buffet and order from the continental menu instead or only visit the fruit, oatmeal and cereal section at the buffet.
Staying on track with your workouts and eating isn’t always easy when traveling but with a little planning and creativity, you can keep up your healthy habits away from home. Good luck and happy travels!
Thank you Alisa Wyatt for this guest post. Alisa Wyatt has been teaching Pilates since 1999 . A featured expert for publications like Departures, Glamour, Self, Family Circle and Pilates Style, Alisa teaches a range of clients from Olympic athletes to real people who want to look and perform at their absolute best.
I really like the idea of bringing a jump rope or resistance bands. There really isn’t an excuse to not stay active while traveling.
I like how it says to pack easy to use equipment.