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Traveling for business? Work in a workout

When you're traveling, you can stick to your fitness routine — seriously! Use these simple tips to maintain your fitness program when you're away from home.

By Mayo Clinic staff

If your job keeps you on the road, you know how challenging it can be to maintain your fitness program. Hours of travel and back-to-back meetings may leave little room in your schedule for exercise. But it's not a lost cause. A little dedication and planning can help you stay in shape when you're traveling.

Pack for fitness

Before your trip, call your hotel and ask about on-site or nearby fitness facilities. Then pack accordingly. You may want to bring:

  • Athletic shoes
  • Exercise clothing
  • Swimsuit
  • Jump-rope
  • Resistance tubing
  • Tennis racket
  • Music and headphones
  • Exercise video or DVD

If you prefer a quicker pace, ask the hotel staff about renting in-line skates or a bicycle.

Start right away

Wear your walking shoes when you travel. If you're traveling by plane, store your carry-on bags in a locker and walk briskly through the terminal while you're waiting for your flight. Pump your arms to increase your heart rate. During your flight, get up once an hour to stretch and walk.

If you're traveling by train, walk through the cars occasionally. Walk outdoors when the train stops to let passengers on and off. If you're driving, take frequent breaks to get out and stretch. Even a short walk around a rest area can boost your mood and energy level.

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Aug. 2, 2008

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