We are packing up this weekend to head down to Charleston for a very impromptu trip for Labor Day and my birthday!

When you are focused and on the road to living a more healthy and “fit” life, you are always on the clock. Whether you are staying in town for a normal work week, on the road for work meeting clients, or on vacation in a different city. A healthy life means 24-7. What that also means is moderation. You will crash, fail and die on a DIET (verb). But if you change your DIET (noun) to FIT your LIFE… you will succeed. Same applies to exercise.

I have grown VERY accustomed to being on the road. For a long time, I was a gym rat. I had certain strength and cycling classes that I would hit every week and if the weather was just right, I would run. I tend to be a princess about my running weather. So - whenever I was out of town, two things would happen. I would either run or do nothing… And if I did nothing, I was a cranky pain in the ass to everyone around me. I used to DREAD leaving town for any period of time, because that meant I may not be able to exercise. Years ago, I believe my sister Caroline turned me onto Insanity and with that program began my belief in “At Home Fitness”. I’ll describe the perfect “At Home Gym” in another post.

When I am on the go, there are a few things that I will have with me, without fail.

Yoga mat

Light Weights

Loop Band

Resistance Band

Glides

Jump Rope

Snacks:

Bag of Cashews (measure out 1oz servings so you don’t consume 500 calories of nuts in one sitting… easy to do)

Justin’s Almond Butter

Atkins Harvest Trail Bar

Sugar Free Mint Chewing Gum

Bottled Water

True Lemon (R) Drink Mix Packets

If I feel hunger strike, I want to be able to grab a quick source of protein to snack on. If I am not going to be able to grab a good breakfast while I am out and about, I can get plenty of protein and satiety from any nut based snack. If you have a nut allergy, put some boiled eggs in a plastic bag and store them with a cooler pack while you are on the road. I have done that plenty of times too!

How many times have you been on a long road trip and you just had lunch but you pull out the snack bag in the back seat while driving and start munching on pretzels or Sour Patch Kids? Many times when you are on the go and craving a snack, you aren’t actually hungry, you are just thirsty! I like to have a full bottle of water with me at all times to turn to, to keep me hydrated, prevent headaches that often annoyingly appear while traveling and to prevent turning to sweet or salty snacks. Mint is a natural appetite suppressant and can help keep away cravings and will help you keep the weight off long term. I always carry with me sugar free mint chewing gum to pull out if I feel the urge to chew on something while driving.

Fitness on the go takes some extra effort and creativity. See Instagram for some ideas. These are all things that you could do in a hotel room (may not want to do much jumping if on anything other than the first floor)

Yoga Mat: Push ups, sit ups, planks, mountain climbers

Light Weights: Anything upper body - Front/Lateral shoulder raises, shoulder circles, superman lifts on the mat

Loop Band: Squats, squat jumps, bicycle abs (band around feet)

Resistance Band: Lunges, bicep curls, tricep extensions, side to side walks

Glides: Mountain climbers, Knees in/out, Plank twists, lunges with glides

Jump Rope: For a little cardio if you are outside!

All of these items together weigh less than 8 pounds and, with a pair of tennis shoes, can easily fit into a travel bag.

When health and fitness becomes a part of your life, you don’t take time off just because you are traveling. Unless you are sick or injured, I don’t believe in excuses… You can ALWAYS do something… Go for a walk!! For the last 12 months, I watched many women on the Peloton Bike leaderboard with names like, “Mama of three” or “Six months Pregnant” just fly by me… THEY have plenty of things that they could use as an excuse, and yet, they don’t.

Enjoy your long weekend, enjoy your vacation, but don’t vacate from your journey to a healthy life. Make your journey a part of your vacation. Find ways to enjoy yourself but stay active!

Apparently there is a hurricane coming... Be safe out there today.

It’s Friday. Party on Wayne.

-IV

Your Travel Bag Has No Room For Excuses