7 Ways to Get in a Travel Workout when you spend 9,455 hours in an airplane seat
You know that phrase, “I’ve seen it all”?
Have you seen a full kickboxing routine at Gate 18 in Terminal 3 of Chicago’s O’Hare Airport?
Me either, but who knows, I have a slew of travel days coming this year and anything’s possible in an airport...ANYTHING!
Realistically you need SPACE to kick-box, Zumba, or do a Phoebe Run, so they don’t happen in an airport or hotel room.
Since there will be NO AIRPORT KICKBOXING for me anytime soon I have different ways to shake, shimmy, or walk at least 30-minutes on my travel days without leaving me a sweaty hot mess.
First step…Ignoring my Apple watch notifications, “You can still do it!”
What my watch doesn’t scroll, but really is saying to me… “A brisk 496-minute walk through the terminal and you’ll reach your goal. Get up and move! MOVE away from your wine glass and Gonzaga game and start pulling your carry-on down the terminal – NOW!”
The only bad workout is the one you didn’t do - Even if your Apple watch says keep going 😉
“Workout” can be anything you say it is.
We have gyms, trainers, apps AND WATCHES telling us so, but at the end of the jet bridge or boat plank, as long as you’re moving for your 30-60 minutes a day – you’re winning!
Travel Workouts To Shuffle, Jiggy, Hop, Mosey, Dance, Walk, Promenade…
A little movement is better than no movement, no matter what the Apple watch screeches.
The hotel workout center is an easy go-to. If that’s you’re happy place - elliptical on my Meandering Friend!
But for your travel days without a hotel or for your Airbnb stays…Let’s mix things up!
Daily Workout Rotation::
Mixing my exercise routine and trying a few trends is the only way I’ve stayed consistent over the decades. Remember Jane Fonda Step Aerobics on VHS? Billy Blank’s Tae Bo kicking through the TV?📺
I wonder where Billy is now?🤔
These three + the gym are my ride-n-die routines for over 50::
1/Walking is easiest of all
Inside on a treadmill or track, outside around the neighborhood or park, up and down your stairs at home. A brisk 30-40-minute walk and that’s a wrap.
2/Jillian Michael with the volume off
I use her kickboxing and circuit workouts. I blast my own music to drown out her yelling. It’s a bit much Jill.
3/Yoga/HIIT Fusion to change it up
DownDog app is a subscription I’ve used for years on my phone. The app iterations have improved over the years and it offers yoga, HIIT, and meditation.
In the HIIT app you set the time, mix of target areas you want, and type of practice {rotation, circuit, HIIT and yoga fusion}
In the Yoga app set the time, type {quick flow, no warmup, full practice…}, and level
The options are endless in this app to keep from getting bored.
Travel Workout Days::
1/Walking anywhere
Anywhere, anytime, anyway you want. Phoebe ran through central park with your arms and legs flailing about, so why can’t you walk, stroll, or skip your way through the terminal.😉
Exploring the new place you’re in and getting in your steps is a triple win – walking, seeing the sights, and finding a cute coffee shop or wine bar on that walk –
2/Resistance Bands for the hotel room
They don’t take up much space in your bag and a great way to improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion.
4/Good Morning Workout
I love this one from Shape for a great stretch and I don’t have to sit on any floor. My floor at home, fine – I know where that dirt comes from.
Hotel floors…🤢 {Ask for extra towels for floor exercises you like to do on trips.}
5/ DownDog App Repeat
It’s on my phone {or put it on an ipad} so it comes everywhere with me. Modify the workout for your space. {And hotel towel availability 🤢}
6/ YMCA
If you’re a member of the Y at home you can visit others while you travel. Best membership for wanderer, gallivanting MidLifer.
7/ Yogago_app
This new yoga app popped up in my feed recently for it’s easy yoga and pilate moves that can be done in the room or hotel gym without equipment. The reviews are mixed, some people love this app, others not so much.
If you plunge in before me, I’d love to know what you think of it.
At the end of the travel day…
If it’s not fun, why in the world of airport carts would we keep doing it!? If you’re feeling it, then keep moving – moving it! Move a little, move a lot, or take a break today and flag down an airport cart to your gate.
I’m not a personal trainer or doctor, and Hollywood hasn’t let me play one on TV. Disclaimer central…Consult your professional {insert their name here} for your own specific health.
