Each week this month, either my husband or I will be traveling. That’s a lot of travel for us within a short period of time and it throws all of our routines off-balance.
It’s my turn starting next week.
One of my biggest challenges is staying active and healthy while on the road. My days are typically packed from morning until night only to repeat again the next day. Since I have limited time to workout, I know that I have to be well prepared before I even get on the plane and, once I am away, that I have to make the most out of the time that I do have. Maybe that’s why it’s easier for me to wake up early and workout when I’m away compared to when I’m at home?
As I prepare to head on the road again, here are five tips that help me stay active while traveling.
1. Pack your workout clothes
If I pack my workout clothes, I will use them. I mean, I used precious space in my carry-on suitcase for these clothes, I’m not going to bring them home without using them at least once. They provide visual motivation to exercise. I also always look for hotels with fitness centers and pools. I check out the pictures on the website to get a sense of what facilities they hotel offers. Hotels with lap pools are the ultimate find.
2. Run
Running is one of the simplest ways to exercise while traveling because all you need is a pair of running shoes. I will check websites such as Map My Run or Route Finder on Runners World to find nearby running routes before I leave. The hotel concierge is also a great resource and can often point you to nearby running routes or even provide you with a map that outlines different running routes.
Runners World also has a couple of other tools on its website such as a Travel Wiki where you can find information about the local running scene or an index of rave runs that have been highlighted in the magazine.
Lastly, my husband often uses the satellite view in Google maps to look at the area around the hotel where he will be staying to see if there are sidewalks or other areas where he can easily run or walk.
3. Bring your workout with you
There are many great body weight exercises that you can do in your hotel room like mountain climbers, push-ups, burps, planks, etc. I also will often pack workout equipment such as resistance bands that allow me to increase the intensity of my workout. For my upcoming trip, I plan on packing some of my JCORE DVDs with me for a great 20 minute workout.
There are also a number of great apps out there that can help you plan a workout such as Nike Training Club, which provides amazing workouts for different fitness levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced) that you can do with or without weights. It’s like having a personal trainer in your phone. I also download podcasts. One of my favorites is Dave Farmar’s yoga podcast.
4. Use your legs
Maybe it’s because I’m from New York City but I walk everywhere. I will often walk instead of taking public transportation or driving if at all possible. It’s also a great way to explore a new city while also exercising.
5. Sneak it in
While I may not always find a chunk of time to workout each day, I do try to fit in different activities such as taking the stairs, doing calf raises while waiting in line, doing push-ups or holding a plank before getting in the shower (or often both) – basically anything that I can do. You’d be surprised, those minutes add up!
How do you stay active while you are traveling? What are your favorite tips and tricks? What’s your favorite workout app?
I love to run in new cities! What a great way to see the world. When I travel I am not very good about finding a gym, but I will always go for a run.
Debbie @ Live from La Quinta recently posted..Weekly Reader: My Favorite Vegan MoFo Posts (and Other Inspiration)
Running in new cities is so fun. One summer, my husband and I ran through a bunch of different cities in Europe. It was a great way to experience the city in the early morning hours before the crowds of tourists descended!
I agree with #2, PLUS it’s a great way to explore an unfamiliar city!
Becky @ RunFunDone recently posted..Leavenworth Oktoberfest
Definitely running is the best way to see a new city. I also walk, walk, walk everywhere. Great tips!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..Pumpkin Spinach Bean Quesadilla
Great post! Running is the easiest way to get in a workout while traveling – but I do love all of your other ideas! Perfect!
Jen recently posted..Tufts 10K Race Report
Love these tips! I feel so much better when I travel if I can workout! I try to do stuff in my room, stay places with a fitness center (if possible) and ice even been known to run up and down the fire stairs. It sounds ridiculous but I’ve never thought to go running when I travel. Great idea. I always go for a walk around so it is an obvious next step.
Some great tips – I like the first one, where if you spent the packing space bringing workout stuff, you better use it!
Stephanie @ PinkPeacockDesignStudio recently posted..SEO Tips and Tricks Part 2
youre like me! travel light, but carry the goods! meaning workout gear, etc. And always take the stairs, walk the city, etc. It’s a darn good workout too!
lindsay recently posted..Discovery Monday
It’s funny, cause one of the things I like about travelling is being able to workout in new gyms. I love new atmospheres and seeing new people!
Brad Gouthro Fitness recently posted..Your Body – HIIT Workout #LLTV #mpgstyle
Hmmm, your october sounds much like ours here! I am going to be really happy when all four of us are in the same place for more than a couple of days at a time!
I always, without question, run while traveling. It’s my favorite way to check out new locations. I’ll also check out the hotel gym in advance, or see if there’s one nearby, so that I can strength train. I like your idea of bringing videos along!
misszippy recently posted..Marathons and half marathons on the brain
Great tips Christine!
I always make sure to bring my workout gear with me. I also make sure to check out the area where I’m staying so I know what is available to me and near me
I like keeping on track as much as possible when travelling!
Awesome tips!!! I love the one about packing your workout clothes and them being a visual to workout! Thanks for sharing these!
Mindy @ Road Runner Girl recently posted..Running Pop Quiz!
I would definitely struggle to stay active while traveling so BRAVO girlie! Those are GREAT tips too!
Krysten Siba Bishop (@darwinianfail) recently posted..#WIAW – Black Bean and Squash Stew
PLANNING! That’s by biggest tip! I find that if I travel without putting some thought into what my days are going to be like (ie- food, free time etc) I set myself up for disaster.
These are incredibly awesome tips. I don’t have the chance to travel so much for work but whenever I do go away, it’s nice to know there are apps and things that would make working out easier. I hate disturbing my routine in any way, so I will definitely get better about checking web sites to see if there are fitness centers available at the hotel. Sometimes just bringing along the ‘equipment’ (ie, workout clothes) is enough to keep me motivated
And also healthy snacks so I don’t treat myself too much to bad alternatives!
Charlotte recently posted..Mona Lisa and a time for change
I always workout on vacation! It doesn’t really change my routine much. Most hotels have a gym or pool that I can use. I also love going for runs in new places. It’s a great way to sight see.
Lisa recently posted..Squash that Urge
Running and calisthenics; the go-everywhere, portable gym! Good advice, as is “sneaking it in.” People may not realize that studies show that 3 separate 10 minute bursts of exercise is as valuable as one sustained 30 minute workout, so sneak it in when you can!
I recommend http://www.MyFitnessPal.com to everyone. It’s free, and a great way to make sure you’re maintaining an awareness of your food intake and exercise at all times.
Jonathan Aluzas recently posted..Food For Fitness: Kale Chips
Great list! I always struggle because when Im not in my “normal” zone, I feel less motivated and in my head, I think I’m more tired or something. However, whenever I make it happen I’m so glad!
Ericka @ The Sweet Life recently posted..Cancer Sucks.
I take my iPod Shuffle and dance around my hotel room. I have never had complaints from people in the room below…yet. It also puts me in such a good mood for my day.
PhotogCynthia recently posted..Ready For Halloween
That’s such a great idea!! I’ll have to do that next time I’m away.
Yes, I love to run my way through a new city… and try to remember to pack a few bands for an easy hotel workout, or write down a quick circuit (seeing it written holds me accountable to doing the # pushup or sit up reps!) Hope your travels go well!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..Pancake Paradise Round Up
Great tips here!! I typically stay active on vaca by simply trying to walk everywhere, as much as possible. Running is a great option, and only requires that you bring sneakers and clothes to run in. Not much at all!
Meredith @ Dare You To recently posted..WIAW: What I’ve BEEN eating
I just got back from a 2 week vacation and did all of the above! Running/walking around new cities is always te beat way to see everything and get some cardio in!
Marielle recently posted..Hotel Room Workout
I find it so much easier to workout when I’m at a hotel as opposed to staying with family. I tend to become a bit of an oaf around them, and fall into terribly unhealthy habits of beer and cookies with a side of sit on my ass.
Cat @ Breakfast to Bed recently posted..Salt and Fear Pita Chips
So true!! My mom always looks at me funny when I mention wanting to work out. Then she tries to distract me by feeding me yummy Chinese food.
I have to admit that I am horrible at working out on vacation, formal workouts that is because I get a ton of walking in. Last time we went away for the weekend, I packed workout clothes but forgot the sneakers…fail!
Sylvia @ Frolic Through Life recently posted..First WIAW of Fall
I am traveling the end of the month for work and I plan to take my yoga mat and my running shoes – and If it’s doable – I will do my own “boot camp” in my hotel room! You’re right, if you have planks, burpees, mountain climbers and push ups, you’re set!
ilene recently posted..Cheer Mom Part 3: Game Day
Running in a new place is one of my fav things to do!! =) If the hotel is not in the best area, I will use the hotel gym and run on the treadmill!
I agree – waking up while early you are away is so much easier than when you are home!!!
Hope you have a great trip!
Michele @ Nycrunningmama recently posted..A Second Child: What I’ve Learned
what a great list! it is so hard sometimes to workout on the go!
These are some great tips! Thanks for sharing them. My biggest problem while traveling is the motivation.
Barbara recently posted..Welcome to France – Les Greves
Im a sneaker.
:0
I GET IN MY NEAT WHEN ON TRIPS and more ‘traditional’ when home…
Miz recently posted..Life is my sport.
Awesome tips! I always pack workout gear and just having it with me makes me more motivated to at least get in one workout because I don’t want to have “wasted the packing space”. Also, there are so many ways to stay active while traveling so finding those (like walking around) is easy to do and fun too. Love this post.
Tina @ Best Body Fitness recently posted..Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Great tips! I try to incorporate those in myself when I travel, especially the running one! Or, I drag my family out on hikes if it’s vacation travel
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Ali recently posted..Out on a Limb
Great tips on working out while traveling. Personally running is the ticket. Easy to do and no equipment necessary other than shoes and what a great way to see new places. You see so much more on foot anyway
Great site! Have a healthy day!
Linda@getlindagetfit recently posted..PRODUCT REVIEW
Thanks Linda! Running really is the easiest way to get a workout and sightseeing in while traveling!
safe safe travels my friend! running is my BFF when I travel, so portable and all
Xo!
jobo recently posted..A story of sisterhood.
Safe trip! I love packing my jump rope and doing fast interval workouts while I am away from home. I can knock out a workout in under 30 minutes that kicks my butt.
Taylor @ Lifting Revolution recently posted..Top 10 Thursday: Top 10 Events For A Fitness Bucket List
Awesome tips! I like the visual reminder in that precious roller bag space. You’re kicking so much butt and taking so many names, even when out of town. I stand in awe.
Emily @ The Busy Mom’s Diet recently posted..If I have to turn 30, I better get myself together…
Awww, thanks Emily! I hate wasting space when I pack and bringing stuff that I don’t use!