Everybody travels, whether it’s for business, pleasure or just to get away from it all. And we all know that traveling is a typical excuse to skip a workout. Especially as a fitness professional, during travel your schedule is likely chaotic. You may even find you are surrounded by screaming donuts, soda and candy bars. Your gym is far, far away and you are constantly occupied. By incorporating some small changes in your lifestyle you can easily enhance the experience of your business trip or vacation. By doing so, you will increase your focus, have better results from your meetings and make sightseeing more enjoyable. Don’t worry, stay calm and keep the following tips in mind while living out of a suitcase…
1. Bring your food to the airport
Traveling means waiting — during flights, in airports, on trains and for business meetings or meetings with friends. In the airport, around the corner of every coffee shop, there will be a tempting fast food court or burger place. At the same time, there is the challenge of the (usually) inefficient airport layout, causing a higher stress level and making you crave those sugary, high-calorie foods. The solution? Always pack some healthy snacks in your backpack. Think crackers, protein bars and shakes. So, in effect, you will be eating healthier, saving money and feeling better. How’s that for a healthy start?
2. Drink, drink, drink!
Hydration is very important and you should have plenty of water to drink during your flight. Avoid culprits such as caffeine and alcohol, as these will only dehydrate your body even more. It may be tempting to have a glass of wine or a beer when it is offered, but just remember you will be paying for it later. When you drink lots of water it flushes your system and also has the positive side effect of making you get up to use the bathroom regularly.
3. Pack light
Have you ever packed clothes that you did not wear during your trip? Staying fit is also about making space for proper workout gear and your favorite running shoes. Leave that third pair of Brogues at home and forget about that extra jacket. Ask yourself: “Will I really use this woolen sweater?” Will you wear it enough to justify carrying it around for the whole trip? Don’t pack for the worst-case scenario. Pack for the best-case scenario and simply buy yourself out of any jams. Having your favorite workout gear with you makes you feel obliged to use it. Bring your comfortable training shoes and run that extra mile.
4. Time your meals
Although there is no solid evidence that eating many small meals throughout the day boosts metabolism, it does have other benefits, especially regarding your blood sugar and energy level. Having many small meals can help you make healthier choices, and avoid overeating. This method will also stabilize blood sugar throughout the day. When dealing with long flights and time zone changes it may even be beneficial to only drink water and then eat breakfast, lunch or dinner (appropriate to whatever time zone you’re in) after your arrival. Research has shown that by not eating until that meal, you reset your ‘food clock.’
5. Find a proper place to work out
Being a fitness enthusiast, you want to stay fit and focused while you travel. And there you are, running on your boring treadmill in a far-too-small hotel gym without any inspiration or fun. Who are you kidding? Those hotel gyms often add to the lousy excuse to just not work out. In most cities you can find a proper health club nearby and buy a day pass. Treat yourself and find that full-service club with a sauna and pool. Your (business) trip will never be the same.
Rob Does is the founder of GymAround.com. He can be contacted at rd@gymaround.com or via twitter @rjfdoes.
