5 Easy Tips to Stay Fit While Traveling
Many fitness enthusiasts find it difficult to follow their normal exercise plan while traveling to see family or friends for the winter holidays. Unfamiliar environments, tightly-packed family living conditions, or lack of exercise equipment may hamper even a fitness fanatic's best intentions for staying fit while traveling this holiday season.
Alex Vitale (V Shred Lead Trainer, Certified Personal Trainer through the National Council of Strength and Fitness, and a graduate of the Equinox Fitness Training Institute) offers the following tips, saying, "If you've worked hard to establish a good fitness routine, traveling for the holidays doesn't have to mean your healthy habits will be derailed. You can keep your momentum and endorphins flowing and maintain your fitness level when traveling."
Stay Hydrated.
Drink a minimum of eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Airport food, sitting on a plane, jet lag - all contribute to bloat. The best way to fight it is to stay hydrated.
Lift from your knees, not your back.
Be aware of your posture as you carry your bags. Use good body mechanics when you lift your suitcases up to the check-in counter.
Eat three meals a day.
Even though you've left behind your daily routine, try to eat three meals a day, maintain a balanced diet and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. If you're going to eat a high-fat meal, eat a smaller portion, or order an appetizer instead of a main course. Split desserts with a friend.
Rest.
If your schedule is shot and you're not sleeping enough at night, take cat naps whenever you get the chance. Stretch in the morning and evening, especially if you've been sitting all day. If you will be drinking alcohol, drink a lot of water between events.
Pack snacks: bananas and apples, yogurt, protein bars.
You can make meal replacement shakes in your hotel room. You don't need a blender, just a container with a tight-fitting lid, large enough to shake the contents.