Last week I was at a conference for work where most of the day involved sitting in meetings, and most of the evening involved standing at networking receptions. Here are my tips for staying healthy on business trips.
1. Pack healthy snacks.
Most conferences keep you well-fed, but I was glad to have my stash of healthy snacks for pre-workout fuel and to quiet my stomach when my internal clock said it was lunch time three hours before lunch would be served!
2. Find the hotel gym.
Before I leave home, I check the hotel website to make sure there is a fitness room and to get an idea of its facilities. When I check in, I verify the hours and decide how to fit my workouts in around my meeting schedule. On this trip, I hit the gym first thing in the morning.
Can’t beat this view from the treadmill!
3. Take advantage of local activities.
Garden of the Gods
Not every conference is held at a location close to a park with hiking and breathtaking views, but if it is, take advantage of it!
4. Participate in organized activities.
If your conference has a 5k run, fun walk, cycling tour, or golf or tennis tournament–sign up and participate. This conference has a 5K that I always do, and my odds are usually pretty good for being one of the first women finishers. This year there was only one other woman running and I finished first to win a $25 hotel gift card. 🙂
5. Get outside and breathe.
Even if your schedule doesn’t leave much room for the gym, or a hike, or an organized event, try to get outside and breathe.
How do you stay healthy on business trips?
Great tips for any kind of travel!
No 6 – Get plenty of sleep! I see too many people short change sleep on the road. Love your snack bag!
PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN.
PLAN.
absolutely great tips!!! i always pack my own snacks and i always find ways to stay active!! i also think itz important to note that just because you're on vacation or a business trip or whatever doesn't mean you can go crazy on the eating train. still be mindful and reasonable while enjoying the indulgences 🙂
These are wonderful tips! I love to travel and I try not to let travel derail my lifestyle and goals (but still enjoy!) I definitely think that working out in the mornings (before anyone else is up) is the best time. That way you aren't sacrificing anything else… just make sure you are getting enough sleep if you are getting up early!
I agree with Miz – Plan ahead! Decide ahead of time that you are going to fit in your fitness and it'll get done. If you leave it up to chance, it'll never happen.
I was going to ask you if this was the same conference where you ran on the beach last year?
Yep, this conference was in San Diego last year. Another conference I'm going to this fall just added has a 5k fun run – no prizes though!
I am on my way home from a short trip, and also managed to get in my workouts. I always go to a place with a pool if possible, becauseI know that's an easy way for me to get some activity and relax at the same time. I went to the gym last night at like 9pm to get in my workout because I knew today would be spent traveling back. Sometimes I really enjoy hotel gyms because they have machines and extra weights that I don't, so I like to build up my excitement so it seems more fun 🙂
Me too! I usually workout at home in my basement, so a bright hotel gym can be a treat!
Yes- great tips. I love that you added get outside… fresh air makes such a difference! I try to get in extra walking when I'm sitting all day like that.
I don't go on business trips, but when I travel it's when I'm the worst about staying on track with good eating habits. "OOOooh, SKITTLES for the road!"
No business trips but I think these are great tips for any type of trip!!!
I'm currently on a trip with my 2 boys and I try to add in as much activity as I can – we skip the elevators and park and walk when we can. The eating is often the hard part – working on it!!
It is especially hard when you have to eat out all the time. I try to make good choices but usually eat more things that I don't usually eat at home!
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