How to Take Your Fitness Routine on the Road
Whether you are off to visit family out of town for the holidays or you travel for work, traveling can wreak havoc on your exercise routine and cause muscle strain and pain. Often times, a trip is accompanied by bad food choices, poor sleep and stress but there are some things that you can do to take healthy habits on the road.
First, plan ahead by asking yourself some simple questions:
Then, pack for exercise:
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Don’t forget running shoes and exercise clothes that are appropriate for the weather at your destination.
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Pack travel sized laundry detergent to hand wash clothes so not to take up so much room in your bags.
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Bring a jump rope, light weights or a resistance band (especially if your fitness options are limited)
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Bring an MP3 player to energize your routine
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Don’t forget your swim suit and goggles if your hotel has a pool.
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You might need a water bottle to refill.
En route exercise
Whether you are traveling by car, train or air, the time spent sitting can cause muscle stiffness, fatigue and headaches. Here are some ways to alleviate the strain:
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Take moments to stretch. If you are driving, stop every so often to stretch or take a short walk. This is especially important during long trips to keep from becoming drowsy.If you are traveling by train or air, get up and walk the aisle and remember to drink plenty of water so you don’t become dehydrated.
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Simple stretches will also help minimize muscle tension. Try making shoulder circles, head tilting and wrist/ankle circles. Put your hands behind your neck and press both shoulders back to stretch the chest.
Wherever you travel, set fitness goals for yourself. Try to make healthy food choices even on the go and drink plenty of water. Getting even a little exercise during travel will help you feel better when you get home and keep you on track to reach your overall wellness goals.