Fitting in Fitness Whenever You Can

~ Chocolaterunsjudy

bfitnessonthego

I have spend quite a few months going back and forth to my mom recently. Much of my time at my mom’s is spent helping her out, figuring out meds, taking her to doctors appointments. Did I mention that I sleep on the couch, with her plethora of ticking and chiming clocks?

Even so I am able to fit in some fitness. Where there’s a will, there’s almost always a way.

Pack for success
Here are some of my key fitness tools I almost always travel with:

  • Ipad (for Peloton/YouTube workouts)
  • Yoga blocks
  • Travel Yoga mat
  • Ball for self myofascial release
  • Running shoes
  • Running clothes
  • Airpods & Airshokz (so I can workout without waking people up)
  • Small (for running) & large (so I always have water with me) water bottles
  • Protein Bars (sometimes there’s nowhere to eat)
  • Baby Carrots, apples — both are easy to travel with

Your list may look different. Just think about the tools you need to be able to squeeze in a workout where ever, when ever.

Prioritize
What’s most important to you when it comes to travel fitness:

  • Running
  • Walking
  • Strength Training
  • Yoga
  • Self Care
  • Healthy Eating
  • All of the above

Running has been on the back burner for me much of this time. I shoot for 3 x week, and most of the time I can manage that. I make it a point to try to get as much walking in as possible wherever I am. I still practice Yoga every morning — helps that my mom is not an early riser and I am.

I do travel with food because eating crappy food doesn’t make me feel better — but sometimes you’re going to eat crappy food — just choose something you’ll actually enjoy! Don’t go overboard on it.

Most importantly: give yourself grace
You may not be able to get your usual workouts in. You may need to scale back on your workouts. You may have times when you want to work out and it’s just not possible. Do what you can, when you can; your body will thank you.

Final Thoughts
Even in challenging times, there’s a way to squeeze in fitness. Sometimes I need more rest than I normally would due to stress. Sometimes I’m not able to eat the way I’m used to because I’m stuck in hospitals, rehabs, etc. I try my best to keep up my healthy habits as best I can, and when I can’t, I know that this is, in the end, temporary.

If you’re traveling, keeping up with your fitness can help keep you energized. Don’t forget that fitness actually can be another form of stress, so go easy and listen to your body.  Or maybe you’re traveling for business. Exercising will really help you out on those days you’re stuck sitting around all day, but pay attention to how your body is feeling. Maybe you actually do need a little extra rest. Pay attention to the signs you might be overdoing it (read this blog here).

What fitness equipment is always in your travel bags?
Do you have trouble adjusting when your fitness schedule is thrown off kilter?

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Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner

This week I am also joining up with the new Runners’ Roundup linkup.

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20 thoughts on “Fitting in Fitness Whenever You Can”

  1. I certainly can identify as I used to travel several days each week for work before the pandemic.

    Hard to carry much when you take the train but it’s always clothes to run in. For all temps.

    I always ask at a hotel for running recommendations or google running routes.

    Since I work all day. I have make sure either the route is lit or I bring knuckle lights.

    And yes even if you work all day and are pooped, a night run makes everything better. I actually run more often when I travel because it is interesting to explore a new place.

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  2. I like the idea of a packing list, Judy!
    I always travel with a list and I have my running gear, an iPad for strength workouts, elastic “booty” bands and foam rollers with us. The mats are often too bulky to take along, so I improvise with bath towels.
    I had to give myself grace last week while travelling. But it’s amazing how many steps you can get in at airports! 🙂

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  3. You’ve done such a great job of fitting in fitness even though you’ve had a very challenging year. I like the idea of having a list of items to pack – it takes the guess work out of packing, especially if you’re stressed or in a rush.

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  4. Great post!
    I also travel with a list and the running clothes are always included. One time I forgot the running outfits in Scotland and I was very disappointed
    Moreover I’m always looking for a hotel with treadmills or good running routes around it. And, last but not least, if there is some race during the days I am there.

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  5. I always try to bring my running shoes so I can try to fit in some kind of workout. As long as its safe to run outside, I will usually do that. its nice when hotels have fitness centers to use too.

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  6. I don’t travel with much equipment, though I have been known to bring my hand weights along for a car ride and do some curls and modified moves en route to the airport. I always have my running shoes (and gear) with me, though. I usually just do a lot of body weight resistance moves and exercises in our hotel room, and I can always find a staircase.

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  8. Yes, I always work out when I’m traveling. The great thing about running is your equipment is minimal- sometimes the challenging part is finding a place to run (like when I had to run around and around the fast food catfish restaurant in Alabama, ha ha…) Your fitness and eating may not be perfect, but you’ll feel way better if you just try your best.

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