Training While You’re Away
Between the holidays, traveling for work, and hotel rooms, being outside of your comfort zone and your regular workout routine can be one of the biggest challenges when it comes to staying consistent.
But it doesn’t mean you have to take a hard pause on your training. In fact, some of my (maybe you too) best runs and workouts have been running through new cities, and at hotel gyms, where I had to adapt to what was available to me.
There’s a sense of empowerment and excitement in being able to complete an impromptu workout in a new place. My advice? Don’t fear it, embrace it.
Here’s how I stay consistent when my life and routine changes:
Plan 3 “anywhere workouts.” In Movement & Miles, you’ll find workouts that use minimal equipment and travel-friendly modalities (bands, bodyweight, mobility). Plan ahead for 3 workouts while you’re away from home.
Map a “run route” near your stay. Even 15 minutes out, 15 minutes back, exploring new streets can recharge your mind and body. You could also look up local run groups or classes to meet new people and experience new workouts.
Pack light gear. The M/M Bands Kit travels easily. Use it for strength, mobility, or warm-ups.
Be patient with yourself. Your time zone, rest, elevation, and schedule may be off. Give yourself grace and fit your workouts in when and where you can.
Hotel gyms: time to embrace the dumbbells and physioballs (haha)! While some hotel gyms are awesome, most of them are not. But hey, this is an opportunity for you to get creative! Just because you aren’t using your regular equipment, doesn’t mean you can’t get an awesome workout in.
Combine movement with experiences. Walk to your coffee shop, park a bit further, take the stairs. It all adds up.
When you maintain your consistency, regardless of what it may look like, you reduce the friction of “getting back in.”
Momentum and motivation become your friends.
That is the most important take-away. Being able to adapt, regardless of what is available to you, and getting comfortable with abandoning your familiar running routes, is a great opportunity to give yourself some kudos for staying consistent and trying something outside of your comfort zone.
