Monica's Motivation to Move!

Last week, I traveled to Orlando, Florida for the annual HMR training.  I have to say that I was a little concerned, as I always am when I travel, about how I was going to continue with my workouts.  I love to exercise, even if it means just simply fitting in a 30 minute walk. I feel more energized, sleep better, and have a more positive outlook when I exercise.  

I came up with a list of great ideas to stay fit while traveling, many of which I did last week.  I plan to keep this list handy for future travels...I hope you do, too!

•  Make sure the hotel you choose has an exercise room or fitness center.  We chose the Hilton, which had a great Precor fitness center.  One word of advice: don't go at 6:00 am - this is prime time, especially if there are other business travelers with morning meetings.  Arrive before 6:00 or after 6:30.

• Pack appropriately.  Be sure to bring your running/walking shoes and workout clothes.  Workout clothes don't take up a lot of room so be sure to bring enough or else you'll be washing them in the bathroom sink! 
  

• Pack portable exercise equipment, such as resistance bands (with or without handles) or a jump rope.  I didn't bring mine on this trip, but I plan to in the future.  It's a great way to fit in a little extra strengthening!

• Fit in exercise at the airport.  Often, we have over an hour to wait before boarding our flight after checking in and going through security.  Make good use of this time.  Last week, I walked...20 minutes from my gate, through the terminal, and 20 minutes back.  I also used the stairs when going from one level to the next.  I guarantee you will not run into traffic on the stairs like you do on the escalator - you'll actually get up and down faster!  One helpful tip - be sure that your carry on is not too heavy since you'll be lugging it around with you.

• Walk, walk, walk...and walk some more.  If you are traveling for business and have meetings all day, be sure to fit in some walking when you can.  Luckily, our schedule allowed extra time at lunch to walk (a great idea!).  Even a 10 minute walk will be enough to reenergize you and help you focus for the rest of the day. 
  

• Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, be sure to stay active.  Don't just lounge by the pool...get in and splash around!  Don't simply sunbathe on the beach...go for a walk - walking in sand provides extra resistance and burns more calories!  Walk whenever you can - it's a great way to sightsee and explore.
  

• And, finally, don't use your traveling as an excuse to "eat whatever you want".  Pack healthy snacks and water to have on the plane.  Make sure that you are eating lots of fruits and vegetables every day (at least 5 servings).  We were lucky enough to have a refrigerator in our hotel room - we stocked up with fruits, veggies, hummus, tuna, yogurt, cottage cheese, and, of course, water.  We saved money by not eating out every meal and felt great!

Remember, the next time you travel...make a plan for how you will fit in exercise on your trip, go prepared, and stay active!  It will be that much easier to resume your workout routine when you return back home.

Happy travels!