Traveling for business seems to be a way of life for most, the world has become a much smaller place; companies generally have more than one office on numerous islands. So hopping on a plane and leaving the island to attend a meeting, or set up a department has become the new norm for many.
Unfortunately during this time our health and fitness often gets neglected, the most common excuse I hear is, ‘I have no time’ or ‘there is nowhere to work out.’
If you are one of the many that travel quite regularly for business, neglecting your fitness not only takes away from your workout time, but it is also interrupting your workout flow; and getting back into a regular exercise pattern after being away for a while can be hard. Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining improvements, so not exercising during this time because you ‘have nowhere to exercise’ is not really a good enough excuse.
A good exercise session can be done anywhere, at any time, in any place, so to help you keep active whilst in transit, here are the best tools to use for the travelling businessman.
Skipping Rope
Most of us have used a jump rope at some point in our lives, usually on the playground at school or in the park with friends. But re-introducing this brilliant piece of exercise equipment into adulthood is a step in the right direction. The skipping rope is an amazing tool because it can be used just about anywhere. It is light, and travel size, so when you are travelling for work it is easy to pack. Skipping is also a great cardiovascular exercise, strengthening not just your heart, but your legs, butt, shoulders and arms. Not to mention that you can actually burn more than 10 calories a minute, so getting in 2 10-minute sessions can lead to a whopping 200 calories being burnt-leading to major weight loss gains.
A Mat
Your probably thinking ‘how can a mat be a useful exercise tool?’ but having one of these in your arsenal allows you to workout just about anywhere and on any surface. Most of the exercises to strengthen your core are done on the floor, and having a mat to cushion the hard floor in a definite plus for comfort. They are also good to use for stretching, a much neglected part of everyone’s workout.
Resistance Bands
Another lightweight, portable piece of equipment, resistance bands are great because you can work just about every part of your body using this tool. They are easy to use on your own, so you wouldn’t need a partner to help; and are extremely effective at giving your muscles a good workout to help boost your stamina, flexibility, range of motion and more.
Yourself
If you’re looking for the absolute best tool to use on the go, that is travel size, durable, easily accessible, with you at all times, and can be used anywhere. Then look no further than in the mirror, yes; I am talking about using yourself. You are familiar with your body, how it works, how it feels and most importantly you are familiar with your limits. You have yourself everywhere you go, and there are hundreds of exercises that can be done in a small space, such as a hotel room, with no absolutely equipment needed.
So not working out because you are ‘away on business’ is not an acceptable excuse any longer. Keep up your fitness level with10-minutes of skipping, followed by some squats, push-ups, burpees, leg press, bicep curl, a low row (using the resistance bands), finishing off with some core work and a stretch.
Combining all of these exercises and you essentially have a full body workout using next to no equipment.
Restarting in the gym after months of traveling is hard enough; so make it easier by keeping active on your travels. Become the face of fitness you’ve always wanted and keep fit as the Travelling Businessman
