Do fitness and travel really mix?

Right now I'm sitting in the lobby of the Quality Inn in Hermitage, PA (about an hour north of Pittsburgh). My Fiance and I have traveled here for the wedding of a very close friend, a wedding Stefanie is a bridesmaid for.

So, while Stef is off getting her hair and nails done, I've been left to fend for myself in a small town...where I feel like I (but most likely don't) stick out like a sore thumb.

In the days leading up to this trip I began formulating my exercise and nutritional plan. I started with the hotel website. Here I found the hotel offers a small workout room, and free breakfast; which was a nice relief.

I also found pictures of the fitness room. It was very limited, but included a few pieces of cardio equipment, a functional universal training machine, and of course my favorite piece of equipment...the ground.

As I examined the fitness room, I put together an outline of what I planned to do there. The exercises, the order, etc. I then looked at the "free breakfast" menu: Cheesy eggs, bacon, and potatoes. Not the healthiest choice. But the key to all of this is that I can control what goes into my body. So I decided on 1 scoop of eggs, 2 pieces of bacon, and a small helping of potatoes; to jump start the day.

This brings us to our travel day (Friday). I woke up early, for a quick dose of cardio. So many reasons for this. First, it's very relaxing to the muscles, which makes flying easier. Second, I wasn't sure if I would get a workout in on Friday, so I figured I would get something small in. I followed that by a normal, well balanced breakfast and a lot of water (ALWAYS drink a lot of water before flying...it staves off germs and viruses that are circulating in the airplane environment).

As I finished packing, I went through my kitchen and pulled foods that travel easily, are full of fiber and protein, and are easy to eat. The fiber and protein will help keep me full, so I can go longer between fill ups. These snacks included trail mix, protein bars, apples, and some dietary supplements (Such as pre-mixed, single serving protein shakes).

When we arrived at the gate I took a quick walk around the terminal to locate some nutritious options. The goal here is save your packed food for the true emergencies. I ordered an egg and cheese on whole wheat. Not the greatest of choices, but full of protein, and some relatively good carbs.

Upon arrival at the hotel, my first question was "Is there a gym I can get a day pass for". Even though there is a fitness room at the hotel, a real gym is always a better choice. Turns out there is a YMCA about 2 miles from the hotel. After we settled into our hotel room, I drove to the Y, paid for a day pass, and off we went to wedding events.

The benefit of having planned my workouts helped me even though I was at a full gym. I still followed the basic outline. I spent little time wandering around looking for familiar equipment; rather I had planned on doing basic activities that utilize the equipment EVERY gym has (Dumbbells, Bench Press, Rows, etc).

Now, here I sit, in the hotel lobby...my stomach is rumbling. Time to hit the local diner, and see what healthy choices I can make there. Who doesn't love a challenge, right?

--BA

Fit2You Fitness, LLC
www.fit2youfitness.com
Philadelphia and Main-Line In Home Personal Training, Yoga, Nutrition and Corporate Health and Wellness