Traveling can disrupt a perfectly good routine. You aren't at home, so your schedule is different, you have access to different foods, you may or may not have gym access... the list goes on and on. So, what do you do? Do you just accept the inevitable and hope you don't do too much damage before you get back home?
I used to do that. It was easier. Until I got back home and had to work off the vacation weight. And that is no fun.
Now I travel way too much to get off track every time. Some for work and some for pleasure. But I take the same approach each time - no matter how far or how long the trip. You can have fun & enjoy your trip and stay fit.
My big secret? Have a plan.
That's it. My big tip is to think ahead and plan your fitness for your trip. Simple, right? These are some of the things to consider:
Did you pack clothes that will allow you to exercise and/or walk comfortably?
Is there a gym in your hotel (if you are staying in one) or nearby?
During your travel (plane, car or train), what healthy snacks will you eat? Did you pack them?
What options for eating healthy will you have? Should you take food with you?
When in your days can (and will) you workout?
What will your workouts consist of?
Now before we go any further, I need you to listen (read) carefully. HAVE FUN! Enjoy yourself and don't let your fitness become a burden, but these are my tips for traveling without throwing all of your hard-work down the drain. Or if it isn't a fun trip, take care of business, but still make your fitness a priority. Either way.
Creating Your Plan
So, your plan has to have 2 components. Exercise and food. Let's talk about both.
Planning for Your Workouts
I prefer the gym, so when I travel I google gyms in the area and have actually selected my hotel based on distance to the gym. I have an LA Fitness membership, so when I am traveling within the States, I start by looking for those in the cities that I am traveling to. But when I can't get to a gym - I workout with what I can. Sometimes that's making up my own HIIT workout or watching a video.
Resources for Workouts Online:
Beachbody On Demand - Let's your stream Beachbody workouts (Insanity, P90X, Cize, BodyBeast, PiYo, 21 Day Fix, etc). The first 30 days are free! If you choose this option, nae me as your coach and I can work with you! Questions about that? Email me (or jamar.paige@gmail.com).
BodyRock - A ton of workouts that you can stream for free! :-)
YouTube - You have to search, but there are some gems here too!
Google Images - Look up HIIT workouts and Seriously. Or just use these that I found for you.
Planning your Food
When possible, I like to take food with me. Then I know exactly what I am eating and I know I won't find myself in a situation where I feel like I have to make a bad decision because options are limited. If you will have access to a refrigerator while you are away from home, I would go grocery shopping and get some food to have on hand. Also, be prepared to make good choices when/if you eat out. I like to look at the menu ahead of time. Most of them are online now - even the local restaurants. If you are going to splurge on your trip, try to keep some balance and don't let every meal become a splurge.
(Some) Healthy Snacks for Travel Days
Nuts (be careful of nut allergies around you though)
Fruit
Chopped veggies
Baked/grilled chicken or turkey (diced or chunks work best for me)
Canned or packaged tuna/salmon
Turkey or Beef Jerky (all natural, no preservatives)
Rice cakes
Natural fruit/nut/protein bars
Homemade granola
Cheese sticks
Yogurt (don't let it get too hot!)
Sandwiches on whole wheat bread
Salad (again, watch the temperature)
Protein powder to make a shake on the go
Note: Look for grilled, unbuttered meats, veggies and potatoes, and fresh fruits when ordering on the go!
Do you have a tip for maintaining your fitness goals/priorities while you travel? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Leave me a comment!
Now go forth & see the world! Stay fit along the way! Make sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram, And feel free to send me your questions or thoughts!
Photo of the Week:
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| This week I am writing from Izmir, Turkey. Traveling again! And no, this is not an unusual cabbage. They are ALL this large. |
