The Trials and Tribulations of Travel... On A Health Kick

HOME sweet home.. Finally.. Well actually I’ve been home for a few days now but it seems like after 1 week away there is somehow 3 weeks of “stuff” to get caught up on. How is that even possible? Anyway… LOVE, love, love to travel, but a week out of the “normal” routine can be stressful! Especially when it comes to keeping up on your campaign for a more healthy body and self. Whether for work or play, the excuses are easy to come by and the pounds are easy to add on when you are on the road. Big dinners, an ample supply of cocktails (hopefully), beach time, work time, spa time, golf time, family time, whatever it is, exercise time is rarely part of the equation. And no one wants to be that person who brings their own lunch to a meeting, says no to the side of fries, or sips on their club soda during margarita night. So what to do? With spring heating up and summer just around the corner, finding a way to keep the fitness train moving forward despite beach vacations, bachelorette parties, or other less exciting plans like work trips is critical. So here are a few tips to consider…

1)      Pack your sneakers. We’ve all been there, looking at our suitcase and thinking “there would just be SO much more space if I left the sneaks at home”… Well don’t. Once you’ve carted them wherever you’re going, you’ll feel guilty letting them sit idly for the rest of the trip.

2)      Make your exercise social.  There’s no reason why you need to leave the party to get your workout in… Bring the party with you. Take the initiative to book your group into a fun class, set up a group session with a trainer, or just find a good walking/running route.  

3)  Explore. No better way to see a new city than to run (or walk it). Take in the sights, scents and sounds and all of a sudden you will have been running for an hour without even realizing how long you've been on the go. (Note: If you are directionally challenged, make sure you have a map or at least a method for finding your way home!)

4) Plan. In today's day and age, all you have to do is hop on the internet to find a local studio or gym. Put in 5 minutes to do some pre-trip research and join in a local class. Who knows, maybe you'll pick up some local fitness knowledge that you can bring home with you. 

5) Go shopping. Discipline and vacation are two words that shouldn't go in the same sentence. I agree... to a point. Just because you're on vacay doesn't mean all inhibitions have to be thrown to the wind and its easy to take some pre-emptive action to keep yourself in check. Go to the local store, buy some (healthy) groceries for your hotel room/house and try to mix in some healthy choices along with the fun indulgences. Breakfast is an easy one. Stock up on yogurt, fruit and granola and save yourself the calories and $$$ of the typical breakfast buffet. 

6) ENJOY. Don't be too hard on yourself... If you're on vacation, you SHOULD treat yourself to some rest and relaxation. If you're traveling for work, you're schedule is packed with meetings, meals, and arguably too much time with your colleagues. Just remember, you're workouts, classes, and healthy food will all be there waiting for you when you get home.