Just because you're on the road doesn't mean you have to fall off the fitness wagon.
While vacations are great for getting some much-needed R and R, your body still needs a little TLC. What better way to care for it than keeping it fit and energized as you travel?
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Band Squat (targets legs): Stand on the band with slightly bent knees. Grasp the handles and bend your elbows so that your hands are slightly above your shoulders. Slowly straighten your knees until you are completely upright. Return to starting position.
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Local trainers suggest ways to make diet and exercise part of your out-of-town itinerary.
Think ahead
Before you load your last piece of luggage into the car, contact your hotel's concierge to ask about available fitness facilities. Most hotels provide some kind of workout space — even if it's only big enough to house a treadmill, a weight bench and a couple of dumbbells.
Ask the concierge Does the hotel have a fitness center? If so, what kinds of equipment? Are there personal trainers on-site? Are there safe parks or tracks nearby?
"It's important to plan ahead for any trip, especially if you're wanting to maintain a good fitness regimen," said Derell Bowie, owner of House of Pain in Longview. "Take your workout clothes and running shoes no matter what. You can at least find some stairs to climb or a safe area to walk or run around."
Band-tastic
Another item to remember to throw in your suitcase is a resistance band. These small, light-weight exercise tools can be used for a total body workout, and are so versatile they can be used just about anywhere.
"When I travel, I make sure to bring my resistance bands with me," said William Barnes, associate head trainer at Personally Fit in Longview. "They don't take up any room at all in a suitcase and are great for in-room exercises if your hotel doesn't have a decent gym."
Turn your hotel room into a personal gym by looping your band around the top of a door or underneath a chair ... be creative!
Fine dining? Absolutely
One of the best things about traveling is eating out at fun restaurants, but a few heavy meals can start to take their tolls on a body. Splurge on the foods you can't get back on your home turf, but try to make your overindulgence as healthy as possible.
"What's the first thing most people think about doing on vacation? Going out to eat," Derell said. "And that's fine, as long as they remember to make healthy choices and watch their portions. If you splurge one night, that's OK. I tell my clients to stick to cardio exercises while on vacation ... just jump on a bicycle or run on a treadmill to offset any weight gain."
In-room exercises
Christi Sullivan, Pilates instructor at Personally Fit, showed us a few exercises you can do from your hotel room. At top, you can see how to perform the Band Squat.
