The Personal Trainer's Guide to Staying Healthy While Traveling

Feb 7

Introduction

Many of my personal training clients fear that they will sacrifice their health and weight loss goals while traveling. Fear not! Here is my quick guide to maintaining what you worked so hard for!

DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE WITHOUT WASHING YOUR HANDS
Whether traveling by planes, trains, or automobiles, you most likely hang out in well-populated public places….which increases your exposure to bacteria and viruses. While I don’t think you should hole yourself in a closet for the rest of your life, I advocate some boundaries. The first rule of staying healthy on the road is resisting the urge to touch your face without washing your hands. You might be surprised to learn how often you touch your lips, nose, and eyes daily. Each swipe of your hand gives germs access to your system. Considering that you’re sharing doorknobs, railings, counters, and faucet handles, your hands are constantly in contact with the world. Do yourself a favor and resist the urge to touch your face until you wash your hands.
USE DISINFECTING WIPES WHILE FLYING
Have you ever witnessed airline staff members wiping down tray tables and seat belts? Me neither. On average, each plane will see at least two flights daily (and we don’t know what germs were left behind for us). You will most likely eat and drink off the tray table….which makes cross-contamination easy. Before you sit, quickly wipe the seatbelt and the top and bottom of the tray table for 20 seconds. The little things that we overlook are the ones that affect us the most.
ALWAYS CARRY A WATER BOTTLE
Too often, dehydration causes exhaustion and hunger. With junk food readily available on the road, it’s easy to convince yourself that you need an indulgence as a remedy (when all you need is a simple sip). Make yourself a rule: Any time you’re tired or hungry, drink 4-8 ounces of water and reassess. You might be surprised by what you find.
WALK
Usually, your vacations are jam-packed with tourist activities….which rarely meet your minimum requirements of healthy physical movement. While I wouldn’t expect you (or my personal training clients) to exercise several hours per day during your break from reality, replacing your cab/uber rides with walks will still help you maintain your health and possibly weight loss. Believe it or not, walkers lose weight while eating through Italy. Walking is the easiest way to move on the road and a great way to immerse yourself in new neighborhoods while reviving your engine. Keep your senses alive and rise beyond the seat!
SPLIT FOOD
Enjoy the best dining experience while shrinking portions: Split with a buddy! Instead of ordering two entrees (probably big enough for 3), share an entrée and an appetizer. This foodie approach is an easy way to enjoy more than one taste of the local culture while avoiding a belt-busting experience.
FINDING A RUNNING GROUP IN THE CITY THAT YOU’RE VISITING OR SIGN UP FOR A 5K
Running is a global phenomenon that connects many cultures. Find another way to connect with the community you’re visiting and find a local meetup for runners. What a neat way to participate in a social workout in a new environment! Google “running groups (insert location)” or “running clubs (insert location)” and extend yourself! You can also sign up for a random 5k to enhance your workout too!
MAKE YOUR FOOD COUNT WITH THE CHEFSFEED PHONE APP
I always say that if you’re going to do it, do it well. Since my wife Sammy is an event sales manager in the restaurant industry, you probably know I’m referring to restaurants. Exploring new dishes is a way of life that directs my travel choices. I can give you my personal trainer's advice on following a true vegan lifestyle to achieve optimal health (even though we all should). Instead, I’d instead persuade you to change your relationship with food. Stop eating just to fill up and eat with intent instead. Use the ChefsFeed phone app to strategically celebrate your favorite dishes and restaurants chosen by local chefs. Type in your location and sift through the many recommendations from the host culinary experts. It is possible to meet your health goals still while enjoying the best of life. You need to be mindful and selective. Thanks for this suggestion, Carol!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER

As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.

Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).

If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!