Hurried fast-food meals and long client dinners cause a lot of business travelers to gain a bit of weight when on the road, while late hours and the lack of opportunity can also disrupt their exercise schedules. However, it is possible to maintain or even increase your fitness regimen while traveling – it just takes a bit of extra effort.
PACK IT
Take the time to put a pair of athletic shoes and socks into the bag that you carry with you to meetings while on the road. If you find yourself with an hour to spare between meetings, put those socks and shoes on and go for a walk. You won’t want to work up a sweat in your business clothes, but you don’t have to – walking at a relaxed, moderate pace contributes to fitness, too.
WORKING OUT
If you like working out in a gym environment after business hours, ask your hotel’s concierge or front desk staff for advice. They’ll be able to direct you to the nearest full-service gym and tell you how much a guest pass will cost, or they may be able to provide one for free. It may be very likely that your hotel has a well-equipped fitness center on site with everything you need. For example, many Hilton hotel fitness centers have cardiovascular workout equipment (ellipticals, bikes, and treadmills), each with its own TV screen and headphones, as well as space to stretch.
WATCH YOUR FOOD
A huge part of staying fit on the road is watching what you eat. While on a trip, it’s very easy to grab food that’s quick and convenient but not necessarily healthy. Try to bypass processed snacks; grab an apple or a protein bar instead. Eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible, order lean meats or fish for meals and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and feeling full.
GET A GOOD NIGHT’S REST
Never discount the benefits of getting a good night’s sleep. We know that it can be difficult if you are entertaining a client who likes to enjoy the local nightlife, but your body needs rest, especially if you are crossing time zones. It may not be overtly strenuous activity, but traveling, traversing airports, carrying luggage, etc. does take its toll.