How to work out on the road.

Tips on how to maintain your exercise routine while traveling for work.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Work out clothes (shoes, shirt, socks)
• Running or cross training shoes.
• Weather appropriate clothing (rain gear, cold weather gear).
• Your gym membership.

1. Think ahead.
   Obviously if you’re a runner this is easy, just pack your shoes and gear right? Well no there is a bit more to it than that. For example:
   
   what is the weather like where you’ll be travailing to, do you need cold weather clothes, or rain gear? Are there running paths near your hotel? One great resource is for walkers, runners and bikers is running map.com http://www.runningmap.com/
   
   You also should check out the USA Track & Field site http://www.usatf.org/routes/

2. Use your membership fully.
   If you belong to a gym at home ask them if they have branches where you’ll be traveling or reciprocal privileges with other gyms. Many gyms offer this as part of your membership, you may be required to pay a guest fee at the other facility but these fees are often less than the cost of a non-member day fee.
   
   Hotels understand that exercise is as important is as a bed and room service, so many also have reciprocal privileges with local gyms and health clubs. This isn’t something you can learn from the reservation agent, you’ll need to speak to the concierge or front desk about this.

3. A fitness per diem.
   Many companies understand the value of wellness and will cover the cost of your gym fees while you travel, up to a certain daily amount. Check with your employer to see what you’re company’s policy is about this.

4. Schedule your fitness.
   This tip is valid when you are on the road or at home. When you schedule a time for your exercise you are more likely to make it as much a priority as any other appointment in your day. Write it on your calendar, send yourself an email, set an alarm on your phone. What ever you have to do to remind yourself to take time for yourself.

5. Try something new.
   One of my favorite ways to keep exercise fun is to mix it up with something new. Never tried a yoga class or visited a rock climbing gym? Give it a try, you might like it and find a new passion. How far is your hotel from where you’ll be working? Can you walk or bike there? Perhaps your hotel offers bike rentals.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a copy of your workout with you. Either a printed copy, or on your phone or PDA. This allows you to chart your progress and remind yourself of the exercise you regularly do. Check out Gyminee http://www.gyminee.com/ you can register for free and keep track of your workouts and chart your progress.
• Before beginning any exercise routine you should check with your health care provider to be certain that you are healthy enough for physical activity.
• When exercising outside do so in wear visible clothing, exercise in well lit, well traveled areas don't wear headphones.
• Keep yourself hydrated, even in cold wether you still sweat and need to replenish your fluids.