What to do when traveling

taso42

I don't travel too often, but I'm away from home a few weeks a year. I'm always torn about about disrupting my routine. What do you guys do? Bring resistance bands? Bodyweight exercises? Guest gym membership? Rest?

erickirb

I use the gym in the hotels, or at least do some quick workouts or go for a run. Have you checked out the M100 workout, 3-5 minutes and combines strength and cardio. Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkD9LwDBWW0

koosdel

I usually just bar hop.

Barneystinson

I'm away sometimes for 2-3 times monthly. I like using the hotel gyms, but they're often devoid of weights, which is a problem on my lift days. In that case I either do bodyweight workouts (I recommend the book "You are your own gym" for this) or I seek out a nearby gym and cross my fingers the only gym available isn't Planet Fitness. Ideally, a gym should have a squat rack.

SMarie10

I bring the stretchy bands that take up no room at all in my suitcase - They really can provide a good workout for resistance training. I had my trainer from my gym show me some specific exercises to do with them. For cardio, I've been know to throw on my shoes and go floor to floor walking and going up and down the stairs. I'm not too comfortable going out walking if I'm not familiar with the neighborhood, but can get my heart rate up in the stairwell fairly easily. I have gotten some weird looks before, but who cares!

Rae6503

Hotel gyms. The last one I was at had a full olypic bar and plates. But they did charge me $5 to use it.

Beastette

We are YMCA members, and I usually look into the nearest Y before we go anywhere. If it is a frequent destination, I build up a rapport with some of the staff, and I will contact them before I come in. That way, I know they are expecting me and it motivates me to show up. I've made some good fitness friends that way.

I always pack a jump rope and a couple of plyometric/calisthenic DVDs, too. Just in case.

AlsDonkBoxSquat

I usually inspect the gym right after dumping my luggage to see if it will do the trick. Most places I can fake it though a workout, but if it's really bad I find the nearest club and go in. I always ask to see a manager and try to finagle a deal.

When all I was doing was swimming I discussed how I wouldn't even be using the showers and since there was never anyone there at the time I wouldn't be disruptive to regular membership and wouldn't be using anything else in the facility. I told them I'd only be there for 3 days for a total of maybe 5 hours. So they dropped their weekly rate down to 1/3 for me.

Another time I explained to them that I'm a group fit instructor and trying to keep my base while on vaca, and they cut me half off (but they taught the same program I do).

Long story short, many clubs will work with you like that especially if you're always traveling to the same area and wanting to go to the same club. You can also ask if they have a punch card program so that you pay on flat fee up front and then just go in whenever (I have one of those for the beach).

doughnutwretch

I stick to my routine and use either the hotel gym or the nearest 24 Hour Fitness (if there is one). Nutritionally, I generally go to the grocery store when I get there and stock up on stuff I can refrigerate or microwave and then check menus of restaurants ahead of time. I also take full advantage of the pool and sauna while staying at a hotel.

jayb0ne

Just gonna throw this out there.... I just take a break for the period and pick it up when I get back.

It's an option...

Jay

TrainingWithTonya

That's why I have a membership at a chain gym, so I can always find a place to get my workout while I'm traveling.

koosdel

I knew it!

chrisdavey

Depends how long for me.

Recently: Thailand holiday: no weights, just did Muay Thai training.
4 day weekends away: nothing really besides getting out and about and doing stuff although last weekend also included some drunk hand stand pushups and stuff But yeah, not planned haha.

If I want to do something, I'll find an outdoor park. Can do so much stuff with a pull up bar.

gp79

I usually travel 100 - 180 days per year. This is a challenge I've yet to solve.

I've thought about looking into a 24Hr fitness membership that gives access to any of their gyms.

Same with Golds and the YMCA. I need to sit down and figure out which destinations have the most of one of these options.

As a backup, I always bring my running shoes. I also have insanity loaded on my computer.

Sidesteal

If you know in advance, time your deload periods so that they coincide with travel.