Traveling for work can take a toll of your fitness level. However, it’s not impossible to stay in shape while traveling. I’ve been able to my readers lately in Boston and two people told me that they were frustrated with how much they travel and trying to stay in shape. I decided to create this video as result knowing that many of you may share the same question. This advice can also be applied if you are traveling for Spring Break or just a personal vacation.
Take this quick quiz to determine your best workout:
1) Do you want strength or cardio?
2) Are you in a city or rural area? Are you in a foreign county?
3) Do you have an iPhone or Computer Handy? Do you have internet access?
4) How much time do you have?
Based on your answer to the above questions here are my suggestions:
For strength, cardio or yoga in a city or suburban area, look up a studio near your hotel that you can walk or jog to. If you have a rental car, then you have a little more wiggle room. Check out Yelp or GoRecess for class suggestions. GoRecess will show you the times and dates for your area by linking into the studio Mind Body reservation software. Try a new class like Barry’s Bootcamp, SoulCycle, FlyWheel or Core Power. Find a time that fits in with your schedule. This is my favorite option when I visit California and New York.
For strength in a rural area or overseas where it might not be safe to run around outside, download the Nike Training Club app if you have an iPhone. You do not need internet to access the workouts. They range from 10-45 minute workouts. This can be done in your hotel gym area. Want to workout in your room or don’t have an iPhone? Bring your favorite fitness DVD and set it up on your lap top. If you have internet, you can always watch and follow along with your favorite YouTube fitness stars.
If you do not have an iPhone or computer available and are in a safe area, for cardio, I suggest exploring the city you’re visiting! It’s a great way to get acquainted with your surroundings, do a little sightseeing and perhaps experience the area in a way you otherwise would not have. Last year when I was in Mexico for Spring Break, I would run a 3/4 mile loop around our resort. I also did an NTC workout once and a run/strength interval workout as well.
Schedule your workouts for first thing in the morning if you have a jam-packed schedule or are visiting a hot climate and plan to workout outdoors. Even waking up an extra 10 minute early to fit in a 4 minute tabata interval in your room will ignite your metabolism for the rest of the day.
In Hawaii, I enjoyed swimming and running. I didn’t bother with the strength much because I was enjoying the swim so much! In Utah, we skied all day and I used the hotel gym for a quick session on the spin bike. Oakley also included a fabulous Yoga class into our schedules. Nashville was a run around the Vanderbilt campus and Miami was a class at FlyWheel and run along the famous South Beach. In Argentina last year, I went running in the rainforest and around the city. I used the hotel gym for two NTC workouts, and was very sore for the plane ride home. Lastly, in Nantucket last year I would go running early before it got too hot and even tried out a local class at a nearby gym featuring their own take on the Bar craze.
What is your go to for staying in shape while traveling?