Guest Post By: BackAtSquare0
Many of us are creatures of habit when it comes to our workouts. We run the same routes, meet up with the same workout buddies, take the same classes week in and week out – we are nothing if not consistent. However, then something comes along and threatens to send that well managed routine into a tail spin – TRAVEL.
It happens to us all, we must head away from home for work, meetings, vacation, etc. and our normal exercise routine is no longer an option. When this happens we have two choices:
1. Use travel as an excuse to skip workouts
– or –
2. Turn travel into a new workout adventure
I hope you’ll pick number 2, because it is time to ditch your normal routine and embrace the adventure of switching things up while you’re away on vacation. To help you step away from the known here are a few tips for the traveling runner on how to get your workouts in when you are away from home.
How to Get Your Workouts in When You Are Away From Home
1. Pack Right – It is essential that you pack all your workout gear with you to take on vacation. Having your gear looking at you every time you open your bags motivates you to get that workout in; however, if you forget and leave it at home it is easy to use that as an excuse for skipping your daily sweat. So be sure to pack your Mizuno shoes, socks, undergarments, tights, tops, jackets, and any technology or fuel you like to take along with you on runs. That way you have no excuses and are ready to go.
2. Schedule Time – Just like you schedule important appointments and meetings into your day it is also crucial that you take time to schedule in your workouts, especially when you are traveling and have a different routine than normal. Sit down, look at your schedule, and figure out when is the best time to fit in your workouts. Is it in the morning before everyone else is up? At night after your work meetings? Be honest with yourself about when you will have time to fit your workouts in when you’re away from home. Then write down and block off these chunks of time in your planner, calendar, etc. just like you would with any other important event.
3. Book in Advance – Check out local studios (barre, pilates, yoga, Orange Theory Fitness, etc.) and book a class in advance. By booking in advance you are committed to go, and usually have to pay even if you don’t show up. This really puts your money where your mouth is and ensures you’ll get a workout in even when you are traveling away from home.
4. Consult the Locals – Look into local area running stores as most hold group runs once a week. If their group runs don’t coincide with the days you’ll be in town then ask if they can give you any tips. Lots of knowledgeable stores will be able to point you to other groups in the area that may have runs on that night.
5. Do Your Research – The internet is a wealth of knowledge so be sure to research before you go. Instead of just stumbling out of your hotel and hoping you hit a decent running route or trail go online and check out popular running routes in the area. See which ones go by local landmarks or give you a good tour of the area to turn your run into a site seeing adventure. Also, check to see if any of the routes are well lit and recommended for people who have to run in the early mornings or after the sun sets, safety first.
If you prepare before you go being a traveling runner can be an adventure full of new sites to see, classes to take, and groups to run with, but you must plan ahead to make sure you are ready to go.
Abby is a formerly overweight couch potato who started running to get healthier and was shocked when she fell in love with the sport, the feeling, the people, all of it. She talks to strangers on race courses, runs to the side to high five cute kids, and is the person who sticks her entire hand into the community candy bowl at mile 20 of the marathon course. Abby blogs about her journey to live healthier, become a better runner, and lose the weight at BackatSquareZero. Also, find her on Twitter(and Instagram) as @BackatSquare0.