A few years back, I officially began my journey to getting
healthy. It is, if nothing else, a journey thought isn’t it!? I was paired with
a FANTASTIC trainer at my gym in Seattle and she quite literally changed my
life. I remember the first time I was going to travel since I had started
working out with her. It had been about six months, and I was terrified that I
was going to lose everything I had worked for during my week in Guadalajara, MX
(oh the irony of that.) But Heidi being the dedicated trainer and creative
health genius that she is, sat down with me and prepared me for my trip. We
talked about the things that I would splurge on while I was there, the fact
that I would be less vigilant but not completely unhinged, and she even came up
with a workout plan for me to use while I was there; something simple and
manageable to fit in between exploring. It was then that I learned the value of not throwing in the
towel on your health goals for a week here or there. Health is a lifestyle and
that means that it doesn’t stop just because you are on the road or in a
different location. The key is intentionality.
Here are the top tips that I have found to be most helpful
on my own journey.
#1 Plan your
splurges.
The truth is, it’s vacation. A special occasion.
A new place or an experience you don’t get to have often. Of course you are
gong to want to have your favorite ice cream when you are visiting your hometown
or try a crepe on your trip to France. That is natural. And you should! But
think ahead. Make a list of the top three things you want to splurge on. If you
get there and decide to just eat anything and everything you want, you actually
probably will be too sick and stuffed to enjoy any of it. Choosing your few and
sticking with it is a great way to treat yourself without going overboard and
planning ahead is always crucial so that you don’t get caught up in the moments
and the hunger.
#2 Fit Forward
Think ahead about where you are going to be. Does a family
member or friend have a gym membership that you can use for the time you are
visiting? Does the hotel you are staying in have a workout room or pool? Are
you staying somewhere with cool trails to hike? Traveling is of course a fun
time to explore and adventure and treat yourself, and it’s also a great time to
get creative with your workouts! Try something you normally couldn’t fit into your
workout routine at home. For example, last year in Florida, I soaked up the
opportunity to run along the beach and get in some laps in the crystal clear
water! Make it a together activity to hike or go to the gym while visiting
loved ones. Fitness doesn’t have to be an inconvenient thing, especially while
traveling! Make it part of the adventure and the experience.
#3 ALWAYS PACK:
Running/athletic shoes
Sports bra
Workout outfit
Resistance Bands
Even if you are unsure that you will find time to workout
while traveling, come prepared. You don’t have to pack a whole workout wardrobe
or your home gym, just a few items to have available if and when the
opportunities might present themselves. You are way more likely to find the
space in your travel sched if you made the space in your suitcase!
Here’s a simple on the go workout that requires nothing but
you!
*If you have access to weights, add them in!
Of course this is not going to be as intense as your normal
workouts or provide the same results, but I have learned along the way that
something is always better than nothing (especially in regards to health and
fitness). Even a few jumping jacks and crunches are better than none. Remember
that on the road! Don’t expect too
much out of yourself and take time to relax and rest, but also don’t assume
that travel means health is on pause!
Here's an added bonus! A yummy + healthy smoothie.
This is a delicious smoothie recipe good for any time. Click on this image and save the photo to your phone for easy access, if you would like.
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