With temperatures dropping below zero up here in upstate New York, February tends to be a big travel month. Whether you’re traveling for business or for pleasure, travel often disrupts your normal routine, many times leaving your fitness program behind. Sticking to a fitness program is very difficult for many people and the disruption of travel can make it difficult to stick to it and get started again when you get home. Here are a few ways to keep fitness in your schedule when traveling:
- Plan ahead: We already know that traveling poses a challenge when it comes to sticking to a fitness program, but if you plan ahead, you can overcome that challenge. Check out if your hotel has a fitness center before packing and heading off on your trip. If it doesn’t, or the equipment offered isn’t to your liking, research local gyms in the area. Many of them will offer guest passes for a small fee and if you’re going to be in town for an extended period of time, they might be able to swing you a deal for a few weeks. Take a look at your schedule and figure out when you will be able to fit some exercise in and commit to it ahead of time- you’ll be less likely to skip a workout if you plan ahead. Once you’ve figured out where you’re going to exercise, don’t forget to pack your workout gear!
- Go for a walk before getting on that plane: Often times we arrive at the airport extra early to ensure we have enough time to get through security and check-in. This results in a lot of wait time before boarding your flight, which typically means sitting at the gate while you wait. Next time you get to the airport and have time to spare or your flight is delayed, instead of sitting to pass the time, get up and walk around the terminal for a little while. You’ll increase your activity significantly and get your muscles working on a day where you will likely spend a lot of time stuck sitting in tight quarters.
- Use the free Wi-Fi to your advantage: You’ll be hard pressed to find a hotel these days that doesn’t offer free Wi-Fi. Take advantage of it by pulling up a free fitness video on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop and doing a quick workout video in your hotel room.
- Stay hydrated: If you’re flying to your location, make sure you’re consuming enough water. Cabin air is very dry and can lead to dehydration so it’s important to drink enough water before, throughout, and after your flight.