For the creative person, business travel can provide opportunities to stay active. It should not become an excuse to take a vacation from your exercise schedule and overly indulge in rich restaurant fare. The first step to remaining active on a business trip is to make physical activity a priority. When making your hotel accommodations, ask about the fitness center, local gyms, and walking trails or other exercise options nearby. Different locations may offer you a chance to try different activities. Also, think about bringing along exercise equipment that does not take up much space in your luggage like your favorite workout CD or DVD, a resistance band, athletic shoes, and your swimsuit. Take advantage of every opportunity to walk, even when you’re en route. Wear walking shoes to the airport so you can comfortably walk to your terminal, or in the case of a delay, you can walk throughout the airport.
If weather and time are issues and the hotel gym is crowded, walk the hallways of each floor of the hotel, climbing the stairs between floors to add intensity to your workout. Use your personal computer to play your favorite exercise CD or DVD in your room. Crunches, push-ups, and elbow extensions are great exercises you can do in the comfort of your room.
If traveling across time zones, exercise can be energizing and help you overcome jet lag. Exercising at your usual time helps your body adjust to the new time zone.
Sometimes the demands of business travel can leave you feeling tired. Exercise, even if it is not your normal routine, may be just what you need to stay focused and at the top of your game.
