Hotel Workouts

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Hi Everyone!

Just started a big job that's going to keep me on the road for a few months -- and in some pretty cheapie motels to boot. So, no hotel gyms.

What does everyone do to stay fit on the road?

I'm probably going to try the usual rounds of situps, pushups, lunges without weights etc. as well as trying to do yoga every once in a while (I downloaded some yoga classes from itunes).

Any other thoughts? Links to great sites?

I wish I had remembered a resistance band...portable weights...yoga block...but I forgot EVERYTHING and was lucky to make it to the airport on time.

All suggestions appreciated!

OH -- the other problem is that I can't run, due to a recent knee surgery, so cardio will be tough too.

Replies

  • wanderinglight
    wanderinglight Posts: 1,519 Member
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    Hi Everyone!

    Just started a big job that's going to keep me on the road for a few months -- and in some pretty cheapie motels to boot. So, no hotel gyms.

    What does everyone do to stay fit on the road?

    I'm probably going to try the usual rounds of situps, pushups, lunges without weights etc. as well as trying to do yoga every once in a while (I downloaded some yoga classes from itunes).

    Any other thoughts? Links to great sites?

    I wish I had remembered a resistance band...portable weights...yoga block...but I forgot EVERYTHING and was lucky to make it to the airport on time.

    All suggestions appreciated!

    OH -- the other problem is that I can't run, due to a recent knee surgery, so cardio will be tough too.
  • Healthier_Me
    Healthier_Me Posts: 5,600 Member
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    Hi wanderinglight,

    You can check out youtube.com
    I've found a few short aerobics videos there.
    Low & high impact, salsa workouts.... just type it in the youtube search.
    You can also go to sparkpeople.com and look for exercise videos.
    Hope this helps.
    Good luck!

    ~Joanna:flowerforyou:

    Ok, here are a few links:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/5853-10-30-minute-workouts

    http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_plan_generator.asp

    http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/exercise_demos.asp?exercise_type=lower

    http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=823

    http://youtube.com/watch?v=z7YEocMET4k&feature=related

    http://youtube.com/watch?v=RR7zSS8hBX4&feature=related

    http://youtube.com/watch?v=B4mtWmm6OOQ&feature=related
  • ltsoccermom
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    If you are traveling for work you probably have your laptop with you. Take an exercise dvd and play it in your room. Carrying exercise equipment is never easy for me since I pack in as much as I can so adding equipment means less to wear. :ohwell:

    I have a dance dvd that I took to DC with me. They had a dvd player so I did not have to use my computer. If you use your computer put it on one of the tables in the room that you can see while you exercise. I have to move the table and chair to the corner that gives me a little room. Then I use the bedspread or towel to put on the floor when I lay down to do my abs work out.

    Good luck!! Don't let your travel slow your exercise down.

    LtSoccerMom
  • yoginimary
    yoginimary Posts: 6,783 Member
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    The yoga block you can do without. Usually there is stuff around that will imitate a block. Pillows and blankets for restoratives and shins or thighs work well for standing poses.

    I would try to get into other hotel gyms. Most will let you go for the day for a reasonable fee. A lot of the extended stay places now have small ones as well.
  • alymarest
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    I don't travel much but it's hard for me to get out to a gym or put on an exercise DVD because of my baby. So I usualy do sit ups, calf raises, pushups and other stuff like that.
    muscle burns more calories than fat :smile:
  • peacefulwarrior
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    I want your job. lol
  • alaskagal
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    Try checking out this website http://www.freeworkoutsguide.com/index.html

    Lots of workout ideas.

    Good luck!
    :glasses:
  • banks1850
    banks1850 Posts: 3,475 Member
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    Well, everyone knows I like to run, so that would be my first choice, but if you don't, I would throw a workout dvd in your bag for trips (any will do, what ever is your cup of tea), and maybe some resistance bands. Resistance bands are good for anytime workouts, not quite as good at a gym machine, but you can hit most of the major muscle groups with it. Couple that with core exercises and you have a nice little workout. I have another post with some good core workouts that I just posted.

    Good luck.
  • wanderinglight
    wanderinglight Posts: 1,519 Member
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    Thank you so much! Unfortunately I'm already on the road, and I forgot my workout DVDs and resistance bands but I'm going to check out the links that were listed. Youtube is a good idea. I love the idea of pushing the bed aside and salsa dancing in my hotel room LOL! Will DEFINITELY have to keep the curtains closed.

    Any other suggestions welcome, thank you so much! I'm determined not to let the exercise lapse while I'm on the road...

    - Monica
  • Healthier_Me
    Healthier_Me Posts: 5,600 Member
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    You can also jog in place.
    That's what I do as I watch my show(s).
    Good luck Monica:happy:

    ~Joanna:flowerforyou:
  • bkrbabe57
    bkrbabe57 Posts: 395 Member
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    I like resistance bands
    you get a good workout and they don't take up much space
  • annhjk
    annhjk Posts: 794 Member
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    walk laps around the hotel (in or out depending on weather) or go up and down a few flight of steps. Whatever doesn't hurt your kneww
  • SheIsVirgo
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    :flowerforyou: Hi,

    I travel 90% of the time. While I stay mostly at Hilton Garden Inns, Holilday Inn Express or Hampton Inns, I find that I can run up and down the stairs a bit in order to add to my routine in these hotels. These hotels usually have small 1 or 2 machine workout rooms, they are always being used. Also, even though you are already on the road, stop in somewhere that you can purchase some bands. The resistance bands are the best to travel with! Good luck, you can do it.
  • wanderinglight
    wanderinglight Posts: 1,519 Member
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    HOOOORAY! I found a great gym down the street from my hotel, and the owner let me sign up for a month with no strings attached! I almost gave up -- I must have checked out four different places that either were closed or wanted me to sign up for a year. But I found a great spot and it's only a mile away!

    Got in a quick workout last night and I'll be back again tonight.

    Looks like they have yoga classes too!

    It felt SO good to get a quick workout in last night -- I always get so grumpy when I few days go by and I haven't broken a sweat. Thanks for all your suggestions, I'm still going to pick up some resistance bands and use those as well.
  • lessertess
    lessertess Posts: 855 Member
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    Get a set of resistance cords, they should pack easily and take up to no space. Also, see if there's a local mall close to your hotel. You can do some mall walking before going to the hotel and to bed.

    Congrats on the new job.
  • may_marie
    may_marie Posts: 667 Member
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    What about a skipping rope. its a really good work out. it does take a little space though
  • wanderinglight
    wanderinglight Posts: 1,519 Member
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    Ohhh...thanks, May Marie! Jumprope is a great idea and it always kicks my booty!

    I was up early at the gym this morning, and am looking forward to trying another yoga podcast in my room tonight. Last night I found a lunar salutation one on iTunes that I LOVED.

    Thanks again -- you are all inspiring me to stick with it!