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Workouts
That Travel
By Lynn Bode
A vacation can do wonders for reducing stress
levels, but it can derail a healthy fitness
regimen. Even some of the most die-hard exercisers
find it difficult to stick with a workout program
when traveling on business or for pleasure.
Sure, many have good intentions. They may even
pack their workout attire. Unfortunately, their
gear never makes it out of the suitcase until
they arrive back home.
But travel from home doesn't have to result
in an interruption or complete abandonment of
your healthy habits. You can still fit in exercise
time when away from home, regardless of whether
you find yourself in a warm or a cold climate.
Even if bad weather forces you into seclusion
in your hotel room, there are exercises you
can complete without a single piece of equipment.
Below are some tips to help you stay fit while
traveling and avoid coming home with unwanted
extra baggage.
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Be
realistic. You probably won't be able to
fit in your normal weekly workouts and that's
okay. Shoot for completing at least 50%
of your normal regimen.
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Plan ahead. Before leaving town, find out
what type of workout facilities your accommodations
will have or if there is a nearby park or
jogging track (weather permitting, of course).
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Scope out local gyms. If you are staying
somewhere that doesn't provide a workout
area then inquire at the nearby local fitness
centers for their rates. Often they offer
day passes for minimal fees.
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Pack a resistance band in your suitcase.
The band takes up very little space, yet
can provide you with an entire upper and
lower body workout routine.
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Don't deprive yourself of all local delicacies.
You can enjoy some special meals without
going overboard. Ask the restaurants to
prepare your favorite dishes with a few
lower fat ingredients.
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Be creative. Find unique, fun ways to exercise
instead of doing the same routine you do
when you are at home. Try biking, hiking,
a pedal boat excursion, water-skiing, beach
volleyball, etc. Effective workouts aren't
limited to the standard fares of walking,
jogging and fitness machines.
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Try out your travel routine at least once
at home. A new workout that you've never
done before will require more time and preparation.
This type of frustration just makes for
an easy excuse to skip the workout.
Prepare snacks. If your journey includes
a lot of time in the car, be sure to pack
some healthy snacks so you aren't forced
to eat at all the fast food and convenience
shops along the way.
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Play in the pool. If lounging poolside is
part of your vacation plans, then hop in
the pool every 20 minutes for 5-10 minutes
of pool walking (try it in waist-deep or
higher water for a really challenging workout).
Get comfortable. Don't forget to pack comfortable
workout attire that fits your destination's
climate.
Here is a quick, simple circuit workout that
only requires a resistance band and can be done
anywhere. Complete at least one set of 8-12
reps of each exercise.
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