5 Ways To Stay On Track With Your Health Goals While Traveling

So you’ve got a big trip coming up for the holidays.

Suitcase packed? Check.

Kindle ready to escape the family drama?  Check.

Workouts planned??  Umm . . .

If this is you, don’t worry, we’ve all been there. You work so hard to look your best for the holidays, but staying on track while you’re away from home can be an enormous challenge. But look no further, below are some simple tips to make sure your holiday travel plans don’t knock you completely off the health and fitness track!

1. Pack a gym

You can easily pack a resistance band in your suitcase and break it out during a long layover, or first thing in the morning (or afternoon) when you wake up. If you want to maintain your cardio endurance while you’re gone, you can also pack a jump rope. These items won’t weigh you or your luggage down, and they’ll help you keep the weight off from those one or three servings of spiked eggnog. (NO JUDGEMENT HERE!) Make sure you pack your tennis shoes. If you can’t squeeze them into your suitcase, tie them on the outside of your carry on.

2. Call ahead to your hotel

Fitness class and running groups on vacation? Yes, it is all possible!  Hotel chains like Sheraton and Westin offer fitness gear to share with guests for a hotel roomworkout. Other chains like Four Seasons offer personal training and fitness classes. You can even book your very own “fit room” complete with exercise equipment and mats at some Westin and Wyndam locations. If you need to get your outdoor run in, some Westin locations offer a running conciergeto lead group runs. A simple call ahead can open up a world of possibilities! Learn more about fitness-friendly hotels here.

3. Pack snacks

On the healthy eating tip, one of the most difficult times to stay healthy is when hunger strikes at the airport. First, that food is EXPENSIVE! Second, most airport food is prepared for convenience, which typically means it is higher in calories, sodium and everything else you don’t want in your body. Try packing a lunch box with protein bars, nuts, and jerky to keep your protein intake up, keeping you fuller for the long haul. TSA allows you to bring food in your carry-ons, but you’ll have to ditch the protein shake or other beverage before you enter the security line.

4. Stay hydrated

Most of us prefer to avoid airplane restrooms like the plague, but that usually results in avoiding liquids during the trip. Drinking plenty of water can keep you looking and feeling fresh from departure to arrival. So just suck it up and use that restroom. The benefits definitely outweigh the pesky, and sometimes shaky trip to the airplane restroom. To avoid spending $5 on one water bottle at the airport, you can carry an empty water bottle with you. Most airports now have filtered water fountains for all your hydration pleasure!

5. Hit the local gym!

If your hotel doesn’t have a gym, or you’re not staying at a hotel at all, you can still stick to your workout regimen. If you are a member of a large gym chain like Golds Gym, Washington Sports Club, or LA Fitness, you can often gain access to any gym location around the country or world. If you can’t find your gym on your trip, you can always sign up for a guest pass ahead of time at a nearby gym. Some will even give you free access if you plan to use the facility for just one day.

Sharita Jennings is a certified group fitness instructor, runner, hiker, and health and fitness blogger. You can check out her blog at www.getfitlikethat.com for workouts and healthy tips, and you can visit her classes throughout the Washington D.C. area. She will help you work up a sweat with a smile! Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @getfitlikethat