By: Tom Campbell Fitness
Well, it is the month of January and some of you may have noticed an increase in attendance at your local gym or workout facility. Each year brings new promise and commitment to living a healthy lifestyle with everyone yearning for consistency and simplicity in their workout routine. I work with numerous clients that travel for work and pleasure. In doing so, it presents a challenge to remain on a consistent routine.
I have found that time management and traveling are two of the biggest obstacles when trying to stay on a proper routine. Time management is probably the number one reason why people have a tough time sticking to a consistent training regimen. Is it a matter of inconvenience that prevents us from sticking to our workouts and fueling our bodies with high quality foods? ….YES! Now, I know what you are saying. It is very hard to stick to a routine during busy times especially when you’re away from home, and I agree with you. It is a challenge to stick to your healthy daily habits, but it is not impossible if you prioritize a healthy lifestyle. However, many of us go into these particular situations with the thought of already failing. We find it too hard to prioritize what we need to do in order to stay on track of our fitness goals; therefore, we ditch our workouts and good eating habits because it is the path of least resistance.
When these opportunities arise, you need to do your best to be active every day and to eat nutritious foods. If you’re attending a party, feel free to sample some of the items that look amazing! Pick what you like and enjoy! Remember moderation is the key. For your workouts, allot 30 mins each day. Do whatever you want. Go for a walk or run. Most hotels have a gym, or a stairwell to climb. If you don’t have access to a gym, and it’s too cold outside do a bodyweight circuit i.e. push-ups, squats, planks etc.
Don’t use I’m “too busy” or “traveling” as an excuse to stop your workouts until you get back into a fixed routine. Put an emphasis on movement, eating protein and vegetables, and getting quality sleep. Don’t completely abandon your daily routine, but you don’t have to be perfect either. Stay as close to your healthy habits as possible without any attachment to the outcome. It will allow you to get back on track with your workout regimen after being away from home for a week or two. Also, it allows you to sample and indulge without feeling guilty or regretful.
Here are some examples of things that help me continue my daily routine during busy times or when I’m on the go:
•I bring my multi-vitamins and protein shakes with me
•I drink a TON of water (if you drink adult beverages, have a glass of water in between each glass).
•I pack my own snacks – fruit and almonds when possible
•I plan to workout at the hotel gym each morning for at least 30 minutes. If there isn’t a gym, a bodyweight workout is just fine.
•I adapt where necessary while still staying as true as possible to my daily habits.
I want you to invest in yourself and don’t obsess. Stay as close to your routine as possible without trying to control everything. This is what I consider true consistency–the ability to veer off the path a little bit and easily get back on.
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