Exercising On The Road

Don't let a business trip leave you feeling unhappy after a long weekend of happy hours and late-night meals or your family vacation end with a sense of guilt after a full week of lounging by the pool and fancy (that is, fattening) dinners. Don't be afraid to stray from your program-you are on vacation, after all-but find ways to remain active enough to not lose any ground when you return. The goal here should be to enable yourself to jump right back into your training without losing an additional week to recovery or half-hearted workouts. Here are a few good tips to keep you active while on the road.

Do a little research before you go. Call ahead to the hotel and ask for recommendations for local running paths, hiking trails, scenic walks, and information about the use of the hotel's own exercise facilities. Always keep safety at the forefront of your mind, especially if you've never been to that particular place before.

Be prepared. Be sure to pack some comfortable clothes and running shoes so you can make the most of your new locale. In addition, bring along a few items to make exercise possible even if the least welcoming of environments. If you'll be in meetings all day and don't feel safe running in a strange city after the sun goes down, bring along a jump rope and some resistance tubing and work out in your hotel room. Remember, it's not really necessary to achieve maximum intensity; instead, focus on staying active while away from home.

The most important thing is to take advantage of your new surroundings, be creative, and enjoy yourself. Sure a long, slow walk on the beach may not burn as many calories as a high-speed run on the treadmill, but doesn't it sound like a whole lot more fun?