Live Well: Take Your Workout on the Road

It’s great when you’re really in a routine with your workouts. You’re almost on autopilot in terms of where, when, and how you get your exercise in each week.

Sometimes though, all it takes is a vacation, a work trip, or even just an extra-busy week to make your cherished workout routine go off the rails. When that happens, it can be really tough to get back on track again.

To prevent this, it’s a good idea to have a backup workout in your back pocket. Ideally, it would be something you can do from anywhere—with little to no equipment needed.

Take it outdoors

One easy way to exercise away from home is by finding a park or trail nearby or hitting the sidewalk for a refreshing walk or run. Wherever you go, be aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas, and make sure you finish before nightfall.

Choose workout-friendly lodging

If you have input over where you will stay when traveling, look for a hotel or vacation rental that offers workout facilities. If there is no gym, there may still be a pool—which is great for cardio and strength training.

Try an in-room workout

Yes, it’s possible! There are lots of exercises you can do in the confines of a hotel room. Pushups, planks, and burpees are just a few examples. There are plenty of websites and free apps that can give you more ideas.

Take a bike tour

Lots of cities now have bike-sharing programs. This is a great way to exercise and explore at the same time. Just make sure to wear a helmet.

Adjust your expectations

Remember that perfection is the enemy of progress. Just because you can’t do your usual workout doesn’t mean you should skip exercising entirely. Some movement is better than no movement at all!