WOW: From the Road!

My new job has me traveling SO much less than I used to that I feel a little out of practice when it comes to working out when on the road. And, I think I work out a LOT more than I did when I used to travel all the time.  I’m able to go to classes regularly now, and I’ve been able to sink into somewhat of a routine.

Here’s something that they tell you about working out that YOU NEVER BELIEVE.  I thought people were crazy who would say this.  Now, I totally believe it.

When you work out more…. You WANT to work out more.

You begin to crave it (like Fig-Prosciutto pizza…)  For real.

This week, I’m working in Salt Lake City.  I’ve definitely grown to love this little city over time.

So pretty flying in from the East

Quick side note, before I talk about working out… check out this little VIP treat my favorite hotel gave me at check-in.  How about it was from the valet guys??  And, they insisted!  Cute, cute!

Pour Moi???

PS… Don’t ever try that Boursin cheese!!!  Don’t do it!!!!  It’s REALLY good.  It’s a lot like Laughing Cow Cheese, only (as I told Beth tonight), it’s “no joke.”  DELISH!  The wine is still VERY full… maybe tomorrow night I’ll have some more.

Ok, I’m supposed to be talking about working out, not wine… So, here’s a few suggestions about working out while on the road!

Don’t Forget Your Gear!

When I’m on the road, I always pack my clothes and my sneaks.  I try to be a little bit realistic about how many times I’ll hit the gym though.  For example, if I really don’t think I’ll get there 4 nights, I don’t bring four outfits.  I bring 2 or 3, and know that there is a gross possibility that I might re-wear a set.  Or, they do have stores in Salt Lake, I can always pick up near gear if I oversweat in mine. Another option… you can always send a set of clothes to the hotel laundry service (I did this in Austin last year.)

Another tip… bring a hoodie, even in the summer.  You never know when you might run into co-workers in the lobby or the elevator.  Trust me!  I’ve had this happen to me once, but never again!

You don’t work out?  This might be the time to start…

Let’s be real:  Business trips are usually pretty dullsville after 5pm.  And, now that you’ve started eating healthily, it’s not like you need to go out for a big spendy, fancy dinner anymore.

Here’s what I did tonight:  I totally worked until 7pm at the office and swung by the ol’ Subway on the way to the hotel.  I scarfed down my Veggie Delite, and then changed for the gym.  Being out of town is my biggest NO EXCUSES time to work out.  Today, truth be told… I worked about 13 hours.  I was BEAT, but when I got back to the hotel… there was no laundry to do, no dishes to be put up, no DVR to catch up on.  No excuses.

And, because I had nothing better to do… I stayed on the treadmill for a full hour listening to music on my iTunes and enjoying the endorphin high.  Usually, I’m done after 30 minutes, but when I’m on the road… it’s just easier.

Let’s say you’re new to working out… even spending 30 minutes on the treadmill (which is a common workout of mine today) makes a difference.  And, you’ll be excited you did it!

Worst case, you go home with clean workout clothes.  Best case scenario:  You’re wildly proud that you found the fitness room (even if you took the elevator to get there.)

Walking is a great way to get to know your surroundings!

Always check with the hotel staff before you set out in an unfamiliar area, but finding a local park or walking around a downtown area is a great way to get a few extra steps and to see the place!

Take your phone so that you can snap pics of what you encounter on your walk, of course, and so that you can call the hotel if you get lost.  Pre-program the hotel’s phone number or have Google maps handy, just in case.  Then, get out there and have a blast!

Consider trying out a new studio/gym during your visit

I have a yoga studio that I like to visit in SLC.  Their technique is a little different than what I’m used to at Asana, and I enjoy the variety.  Now, it’s across town so I don’t get there every time I’m in town, but I know it’s there.

You can also look for free Yoga in the Park (seasonally) and other bootcamps, etc that might interest you.  Regardless, you have the opportunity to tap into a whole new fitness community in your new city.

AND… here’s a good one, if you’re nervous about looking like a fool at your gym trying the newest trendy workout… try it out amongst STRANGERS.  Why the heck not??

Check with the Front Desk for Creative Options

Hotels are really starting to understand that their guests want to stay fit during their visits and are beginning to offer new cool amenities as a result.  Workout rooms have gotten so much nicer over time, with better equipment than ever, and here’s a few other things to look for:

I stayed at a Hyatt in Orange County recently that offered loaner GPS units for runners from the front desk.  Pretty cool stuff!

Lynne from LGSmash recently shared that the Hilton Garden Inn has a Stay Fit Kit.  I don’t usually stay at Hilton (because I’m a Marriott girl), but I love this idea!  Click on Lynne’s blog to read more about it!

Make the choice to workout

You really have a choice every day whether you are out of town or on the couch…. You HAVE to make it a priority in order to make it happen. For those of you who’ve read NTTC, you’re probably GASPING that these words are flying off my fingertips tonight… because we all know there was a day where I just WASN’T going to workout (ever).

In the end, I’ve grown to enjoy and to fit it in, wherever I might be.

Do you exercise when you’re on the road?  Or (gasp!) when you’re on vacation?  Any additional tips to get you there?