Categories: Exercise & Fitness

How to Stick to Your Fitness Routine When Traveling

It is always difficult to maintain a fitness routine when traveling. Here are some tips that may help you stay closer to the routine you have designed so you do not lose all the healthy progress you have made.

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Define What Your Fitness Routine is Before Traveling

In order to stick to a daily routine for wellness when traveling you need to know what that routine is. A total wellness plan includes your body, mind and spirit. There are likely things you do routinely that you are not even conscious about that are a part of your fitness routine. Take some time to think about and write down everything that is a part of your daily routine. Understanding what is part of your fitness routine will make it easier to “stay on track” while you are traveling.

Let Go Of What You Can’t Control

Admit to the fact that you are not going to be able to control everything when you are traveling. For example, if you are traveling for business you may not have control of where you stay. Someone else may be in charge of booking your hotel. Having the use of a gym may not be something that is important to them. But remember, getting all stressed out about it is not going to help you at all.

If you are able to book your own hotel room, choose one with a great fitness center. Most hotels have a photo of their fitness room on their web sites. Take that into account when you are booking your room. Another possibility is to book a room that is near a park so you can go outside and take a walk. An indoor pool can also be a possibility of getting your exercise by swimming.

A set of resistance bands is an easy and small thing to pack and can be used on a door. Bands are a great way to replace equipment that you may not have available.

There are many rooms that have kitchenettes or even full kitchens so you can cook your own food. Not only does this save you money if you are the one footing the bill, but it also allows you to eat healthier by being able to cook some of your own meals. Another good idea is to bring your own healthy snacks if possible.

Be prepared to realize that there will be some things you can control and some things you just can’t. This a short period of time. Just make sure to get back “on track” when you get home.

Good Sleep is Important

Once again, you may not be able to control your environment. Planning ahead can come in real handy in the event you have noises outside your room that you have no control over. Packing a white noise machine or a small fan can make the difference between getting sleep or not. You could also use your phone to play things like rain sounds or something that is soothing to block out annoying noises. If possible book a hotel that is away from busy streets. If you find yourself staying at a hotel that is practically on top of the freeway, ask for a room on the opposite side where it may be quieter.

Hint: I took a gel mattress pad, cut it down to be just a little wider than my body, covered it with some fabric and made a bag for it. I carry that pad with me when I travel and this always gives me a mattress that is basically just like what I have at home. Of course if you are traveling by air this would be a challenge. But we always travel by car so it always travels with me.

Avoid alcohol before bed as this is known to interrupt sleep.

Sleep is one of the most important parts of your wellness routine. Good sleep will give you more energy and will contribute to being able to stick with your other healthy habits.

Flip the 80/20 Rule

When you are on vacation you want to be able to enjoy yourself. If you are following a rule of thumb of sticking to your diet and exercise routine 80% of the time and being casual about it 20% of the time then flip that ratio around. While you are on vacation enjoy yourself 80% of the time. Then stick to your diet and exercise routine the other 20% of the time.

This will give you a chance to really enjoy your vacation. And it will still allow you to partially stick with your fitness routine while you are traveling. Make sure you get in at least one meal that is full of nutrients and at least 30 minutes of a workout. A good workout might be a 30 minute workout in the gym or it could be a part of your activity for the day. When setting up your itinerary, choose activities that will get you moving. Things like hiking, kayaking and swimming are great exercise and can take the place of working out on equipment.

Pack Items That Will Help You Relax

Bringing some small items with you when you are traveling will help you stick to your healthy routine. Consider bringing with you some small things like your journal or a small version of your planner. The items you choose to bring with you will be determined by your particular wellness plan.

If you are trying to improve your mindfulness, then putting meditations on your phone will be helpful. It’s always a good idea to download some soft music on to your phone for those times when you have trouble sleeping. If you love to read, then you will want to bring some great paperbacks with you. Even if you are traveling for business you will want to bring things that will help you relax.

Having fun and relaxing is just as important to our health as diet and exercise. Enjoy yourself and then just make sure to resume your daily routine once you get home.

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Shelly