As fitness professional it's always important to me to stay fit and lean while traveling. I know it's also a common concern for many of my clients and peers. It can be challenging at times to maintain your fitness level and bodyweight while away from home; it is by no means impossible. It simply takes a little extra planning and forethought just before you hit "the road".
Get to the Gym Before You Leave
Whenever you are about to travel, get to the gym the night before or on the morning before you leave. When you book your stay, try to choose somewhere with a "fitness center" - even if it only has a few pieces of cardio equipment. There are many great bodyweight workouts you can do with 1 -3 minute cardio bursts in between on a bike or treadmill that will leave you feeling winded yet pumped. Also, if you do a great weight session prior to leaving town your body will enjoy the few days off of your typical resistance exercises. Make your time on the road a time to explore doing new workouts that you wouldn't normally do at your regular "home" gym.
Download a cool APP, such as TabataPro, that allows you to do 20-second intervals of "work" with 10 seconds of "rest" for 8 cycles or more - depending on your fitness level. Then download a great APP for doing bodyweight exercises and you can use that wherever you go, gym or no gym.
Have Food Will Travel
One of the biggest challenges we face when traveling is continuing to eat a "clean" (a diet that uses no additives or fat laden sauces and is primarily grilled or baked vs. fried) and healthy diet. Plan ahead. This means pack as many travel friendly foods as you can; such as raw nuts, seeds and cranberries mixed separately or together in small Baggies. A large Ziploc baggie or a Tupperware dish with enough of your favorite protein powder to last while you're away. Most hotels will have a blender available to make a daily protein shake but if not, pick up one like the Magic Bullet which is a great travel friendly blender.
I never leave home without it if I am traveling for an extended period of time. Also, I am a huge fan of Trader Joe's Turkey Jerky as a quick protein snack with an apple or pear. Stock your carry on with the right snack items so you don't get tempted to eat the airline food - which is never a good idea. You don't want to start your trip off on the wrong foot.
Strategize with Technology
Traveling doesn't have to be the end of your svelte looking bod! With so many great apps and lighting fast speed for doing searches on Smart Phones - finding healthy "eats" has never been easier. Another word to the wise, make friends with the concierge and hotel receptionist. They will always know where the closest supermarket or grocery store is, even where the healthier restaurants can be found. Unless you have purposely decided not to police your diet and exercise routine on this trip - then you should treat your time away as any other time.
Your fitness and diet routine should remain a priority. Expect to stay on top of it and just take a moment to plan your strategies and all should go smoothly. Play a game with yourself and see if you can come home a pound or two lighter - rather than heavier. If you do, be sure to reward yourself with something fun when you return home! Either way, Travel Fit!
