Dear On the Road Again, That’s great news about your promotion. With all the news about layoffs and downsizing it’s good to hear about people moving up in the workplace. I’m sure it’s a much deserved step up for you. Traveling for your job can be fun. You get to see lots of different cities, and it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your workout program either. Many hotels and motels realize that business travelers theses days don’t just want to sit around and order expensive room service. For instance, the Hilton Hotel has even developed “health-fit rooms” which have exercise equipment actually inside the room. If you’re not lucky enough to stay in one of these “health-ft rooms” don’t despair. Most hotels have a fitness center. It used it be that hotel gyms were just a few pieces of rusty old bicycles in a converted storage room. I remember trying to work out in some of these gyms. Boy what a challenge that was! Things have changed. Nowadays, hotel gyms usually offer modern strength straining and cardio equipment and sometimes even have personal training as well as yoga and spinning classes. Before you book your hotel, call or check the hotel’s website to see what kind of fitness facilities are provided. If there’s no gym on the premises, the hotel may have an arrangement with a nearby fitness club. To find the best hotel gyms in the city you’re going to, check out this website: www.fitforbusiness.com. If your hotel just doesn’t have a gym, or you’re used to the privacy of working out at home, here are some simple ways you take your workout anywhere on the road: Space-saver Circuit: This circuit doesn’t involve any equipment, just your own body strength. Start with a short warm-up by marching in place for 3 minutes. Then do as many push-ups until your muscles are completely fatigued. March in place for 2 minutes. Then do the same for lunges, squats and sit-ups, alternating with 2 minutes of marching in place. If you’re up for it, repeat the circuit two or three times. Believe me, this will really get your heart working. Outdoor Workout: If you can’t find a hotel with a gym, try to book a hotel near a park or recreational area. Go for an exhilarating run or powerwalk. That will get your endorphins going first thing in the morning and get you pumped for the day’s meetings. Bring A Video: Most hotel rooms have VCR machines. Bring your favorite fitness or yoga video with you. Denise Austin has some great videos available on her website www.deniseaustin.com. Remember, be prepared to try different routines and exercises when you travel. You’ll have to be flexible. If the hotel gym doesn’t have the elliptical trainer you normally use, try something else. If you’re used to lifting free weights and the gym only has machines, try them. Changing up your normal workout routine is actually a good thing. But there’s no excuse for not working out. © Joe Decker 2003 |