Keep Fit While Traveling: 7 Tips for Taking Your Workout on the Road
By Jeanie Callen Barat
Jul 1, 2007, 12:08   Does this sound like you?

You're stressed. You're tired. You need a vacation. But every time you decide to go away, you gain an extra 5 to 10 pounds that you have to work twice as hard to get rid of once you get home.

Why?

Because once you go on vacation and travel, you forget about exercise and your diet. All you want to do is lay on the beach with a nice, cold drink in your hands. And, at nights the all-you-can-eat buffets tempt with their savory food and mouth-watering desserts.

Re-Energize Yourself and Your Fitness Routine with These Ideas for Staying Fit While You Travel

Vacations are the perfect time to enjoy much needed rest and relaxation. But just because you leave your job and your stress at home, it doesn't mean you have to leave your exercise plan there too.

Keeping your exercise routine consistent while you're traveling can actually make your time away more enjoyable. Here’s how:

1. Your body craves the good feeling exercise brings on. So instead of depriving it of those endorphins, keep them humming by walking, running or swimming.

2. Sticking to your exercise plan keeps your energy levels up. Energy is definitely something we can all use more of when we’re on vacation.

3. You will feel great when you return home slimmer than when you left, rather than having to lose a few pounds of vacation weight.

As you hit the road, follow these winning ideas to keep your fitness plan on track.

Here Are My Top 7 Tips to Help You Lose Weight While Traveling

1. Bring Your Gear

Stop trying to save space. Pack your bulky workout shoes, extra outfits and workout equipment like hand and ankle weights. Keep in mind what's worse: the extra pounds in your luggage or the extra pounds on you?

2. Test It Out

Test your exercise routine at home before you travel. This familiarity will encourage you to complete your workout while you travel. If you aren’t sure of the facilities at your destination, plan exercises that don’t require equipment, such as push-ups and crunches.

3. Do Your Research

Before you travel, research the best place to perform your favorite exercises. If you love running, seek out the best running trails. If aerobics classes turn you on, search for gyms in the area and check out their class schedules.

Sometimes you think getting away is the perfect time to try something new. Variety is great, but if you are attempting an exercise you are not familiar chances are you won't do it. Just pick what you love and enjoy the new setting. Although if you are personally inspired to try a new activity, such as snorkeling or waterskiing, go for it.

4. Commit to healthier eating choices

Eating healthy while on the road can be a challenge. But the good news is that restaurants are now offering healthier choices. You just have to make them! Don't be afraid to ask for sauces and dressings on the side. Order fruit for breakfast and double the vegetables at dinner.

If possible, hit the grocery store and purchase healthy snacks. Having these alternatives will encourage you to stay on track. Make a commitment to enjoy the local fare, while forgoing the extras you can live without.

5. Share the Fun

Inviting others to join you will help keep you accountable. Ask friends and family members to join you for an exercise excursion. Regardless of your travel purpose or destination, sharing your workout experience will keep you on track.

6. See the Sights

Pick a new and different travel destination. Experiencing sights and sounds of a new place can be the easiest way to get your exercise in. And it won’t even seem like work! Go for a long hike. Map out historic sites and take a walking tour. Exploring a new destination on foot can be the perfect way to experience and appreciate all it has to offer.

7. Relax a Little

Remember, traveling can be the perfect time to fit in some rest and relaxation, too. Book some "me time" to relax and enjoy with a massage or pedicure after a nice long hike or swim. You deserve it!

The key to staying fit while traveling is to prepare and commit before leaving the house in the first place. When you commit and follow my travel workout tips you will be on your way to better fitness overall. Enjoy your vacation!


Master fitness trainer Jeanie Callen Barat, "The Fitness Jeanie," is a premier, fitness consultant who can help you achieve your fitness goals today, even while you're away. Now you can find out your answer to this question: "How Fit Are You?" with Jeanie's New, Free Quiz at: http://www.callenfitness.com. Take the quiz today and find out if you need a comprehensive, customized cardiovascular, strength training and nutrition program!