How to get fit on the road?

[Lucy]

Traveling offers great opportunities to get out and see the local community! As many of the other responders said, it's a great workout to go for a walk or run. If you're sightseeing, this can be a no-brainer since you're often walking around points of interest.

Check to see if your gym has branches where you're traveling - they will often honor your membership at home even if yours is not a "portable" plan. I've also found the local YMCA offers an inexpensive option if you prefer working out in a gym ($5 -$10 for a temporary pass).

I also love the elastic band option. I have a set with 3 different resistance levels & handles, so I can use them for bicep curls, overhead presses, leg presses and other simple exercises. And I always find that some sun salutations are great to take the edge off the stress that traveling can bring - all you need for this is a little floor space, which is available in most hotel rooms, parks or even a relative's backyard or living room. To learn how to do this, check out Yoga Site -- source for yoga mats and props, yoga information, teachers, retreats....

Best of luck!

[gt0163c]

Originally Posted by lucille

Most of the Hyatt hotels that are geared toward business have built in fitness centers and lap pools now. Hampton Inn I think also has a small workout room and pool in all hotels. If I was still traveling for work I would make a point of only staying in those two chains if I could arrange it.

Many hotels say they have a "fitness center" or "workout room" but, even in a given chain, the quality of those rooms can vary greatly. I've stayed in little hotels that had really nice fitness center that, as long as there weren't many people in there, rivaled a health club. And I've stayed in big name hotels where the workout room was an aging treadmill, a 15+ year old broken stairmaster and a television. I've found that, if I can't get word of mouth recommendations from friends/coworkers, looking for a hotel that has a picture of their fitness center on-line is the best way to go. Otherwise, most of the time you can call the hotel directly (not the 1-800 number, you need to talk to someone who is physically in the hotel) and they can give you an honest assessment of the facility.

[fasteddie]

My ideal workout equipment, my bicycle. I take it everywhere, its buns of steel and cardio in one. Even if you are traveling you can take your bike with you, or just travel by bike, then the journey is your workout.