Working out while traveling

On this journey to lose weight and maintain my weight loss, I’ve developed 7 habits to keep me focused and on track. They are as follows: find and associate with like-minded people, be consistent, start from where you are, eliminate the concept of rest days, eliminate the concept of cheat days, celebrate every win, and make plans to workout while traveling. Since summer is upon us, and vacations are being planned, today I will provide tips for working out while traveling.

Whether I travel for work or leisure, I always map out ways to get moving whenever I have downtime. I aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Because I love the outdoors, one of the first things I do when planning a trip is Google nearby parks or walking trails. My family and I love to walk. It’s the easiest and cheapest form of exercise. I look at the park and trail reviews to make sure they are safe and well-equipped, since I’m usually traveling with a toddler who uses a stroller or wagon, but also likes to walk and run as well. While visiting Fort Knox, Kentucky, we found out the neighboring city, Elizabethtown, has an awesome nature park.

If you can’t find a park or trail, then site-seeing is an easy way to get moving and increase your steps per day. On our vacation to Destin, Florida, my family and I walked the neighborhood to view the picturesque beach houses. We were also close enough to Target and Winn Dixie to walk over and pick up any extra items we needed.

If walking is not your thing and you are traveling by car, then another option is to always carry your workout equipment with you. I like to travel with my step platform, kettlebell, and a jump rope. These items don’t take up a lot of space and can be used indoors or outdoors. Because working out is a part of my lifestyle, I already have a lot of pre-programmed workouts readily available in the notes app on my phone. However, there are endless videos to follow along with online for just about any workout you desire. I also have several “no equipment needed” workouts that I can choose from in case I can’t or don’t want to travel with any extra gear.

Before booking your room or condo, check to see if the hotel or property gym is adequate and available. When I was a runner and traveling alone, I didn’t always feel safe running outside in a new town. This amenity was extremely important to me as most hotel gyms will have, at a minimum, a treadmill. They also tend to have a variety of weights if you’re into strength training.

Now this has nothing to do with working out, but it has everything to do with maintaining any progress you have made on your journey. I try to keep the same eating schedule on vacation as I do at home. This can be difficult when you’re traveling with a group of people whose goals are not aligned with yours, but you have to either be firm with your schedule, select light and healthy food options, or find ways to get an extra workout session in to make up for the extra food and drinks you will enjoy.

If you just can’t stay on track while on the road, please don’t beat yourself up about it. Get back to your routine as soon as possible. I’ve found that any weight I’ve gained while traveling will disappear within the first week of my return home as long as I jump back into my regular routine immediately.

I hope these tips help you in forming lifelong habits on your journey of intentional movement and mindful nutrition. The views expressed here are my own and are based only on my personal experiences. Please consult your personal physician for guidance regarding changes to your diet and before starting a new exercise program.