Traveling and physical fitness are usually incompatible. If you’re traveling for business, there are timetables, meetings, and flight schedules to follow. If you’re traveling for pleasure, your primary concern is to relax and take it easy. Either way, you’re on the move with a full itinerary to follow.
Many hotels have exercise equipment and swimming pools, but even if they are in good condition and aren’t being used by other guests, time is usually a factor. It stands to reason that if you have difficulty finding time to exercise at home during the course of a normal week, it’ll be much the same when you’re on the road. The trick is to find the time to make it work for you. You may have to get a little creative, but there are many simple exercises you can easily do and which will produce results.
Exercises You Can do Anywhere
You’d be surprised how much exercise you can get in your hotel room, in the hallway, or in a nearby vacant lot. One of the easiest cardio exercises you can do while watching TV is jumping up and down in place for 3-minute intervals. It sounds simple, but it’ll get your heart rate up and give your calf and thigh muscles a good workout. Most hotel rooms have enough room for you to complete several sets of pushups, one-legged squats and side-to-side push ups. Once you’re able to do more than four sets of 10 reps per set, you can increase the difficulty of each exercise. If you’re unaccustomed to exercising on a regular basis, don’t try to do too much at first. Remember, the most effective exercise routines begin small and gradually build up as each set becomes easier. If there’s time in the morning or evening, look for a nearby playground or tree-lined public area where you can get in some pull-ups. If that’s not an option (it probably isn’t if you’re staying downtown), try using your luggage as stand-in dumbbells.
Warm Ups
Start your mornings off the right way by doing some simple warm-up exercises. Try doing 60 seconds of jumping jacks, knee lifts, arm swings, leg swings, and core twists, followed by planks, side planks, and heel raises, all of which can easily be done at the foot of your bed (or between beds) in a hotel room.
On the Road with Your Pup
Many hotels allow dogs these days, so consider taking your furry friend along when you hit the road. There are many activities you and your pet can do together that’ll help you both stay fit. If you’re going on vacation, work in some hiking and trail running – your pooch will love it, and you’ll get some bonding time that might not be possible at home. If you’re looking to lose some weight, you might find it easier if you have your dog along as a workout partner. Remember that taking your dog for a walk works well if he needs to relieve himself and get a little fresh air, but it won’t do as much to help you build muscle and get in some cardio work if you go for a run. If outdoor activities are your thing, there are many you can do with your dog, including kayaking, camping and rollerblading. Discover more events near you at chillwall.
Diet
Most people find it difficult to eat well when they’re on the road. Tight travel schedules make it virtually impossible to make time for a healthy sit-down meal. Most of the time, you’re just grabbing a burger and fries to go, and trying to figure out how you’ll work it off later. You’ll need to get enough calories to help build muscle, so make a point of getting at least one good, balanced meal a day. Plan ahead and bring healthy snacks with you – have them on hand so you’re not tempted to hit the vending machine or the mini-bar. Because it’s harder to eat healthy while traveling, it’s more important than ever to take a multivitamin so you’re getting the nutrition you need. Taking a daily multivitamin can also increase energy, support your immune system, and improve your mood.
Be Selective
Be selective when choosing a hotel. If you’re going to be in one location for a week or more, look for a hotel that has rooms with kitchens and full-sized workout rooms. Your best bet is to have everything you need on site. If that’s not possible, remember that you can stay fit simply by working your body in a space as small as a hotel room. Better yet, be sure to check out free yoga events near you today to discover a new health activity.
By Sheila Johnson
Sheila Johnson was a success story in the corporate world, but her health was another story. She left the corporate world to start her own business, on her own schedule.She’s seen so much personal success with her health and wellness routine that she wanted to share it. By creating wellsheila.net, she hopes that sharing her story will help others too.
