One of the most important things to stay healthy and fit when traveling is to make sure you have a place to exercise. Some people prefer to workout outdoors, for things such as running and biking, but a majority of people prefer exercising in a gym with access to equipment and machines. For those who prefer an outdoor workout, it is very easy to find places to run or bike by simply looking up a route on the internet. If you prefer to workout at a gym, I have discovered a variety of methods to ensure there is a place to workout when I am traveling for work.
Have a Membership for a Popular Gym Chain
This is by far the easiest way to make sure you have access to a gym when you travel. Popular gyms such as Planet Fitness, Snap Fitness, and Anytime Fitness have locations all over the country. Many major cities will have these popular gym chains and if you are a member you can workout at any of their locations. I personally have a Planet Fitness membership that only costs $20 a month and gives me access to a gym in most major cities. There will still be places you go that will not have your gym chain, but this will get you a place to workout a majority of the time and it is very inexpensive. I always look up my gym in the city I’m traveling to ahead of time so I know what to expect and how far I will have to drive or take a bus.
Stay At a Hotel with a Gym
I understand there are many people who don’t get a say in where they stay for work trips, but if you do get to choose where you stay make sure the hotel has a gym. This seems like a no brainer, but often times when we are booking a hotel we are focused on things such as price and location. Next time you book a hotel for your work trip, make sure it has a gym for you to get in your daily exercises.
Free Gym Trial Memberships
Many people are not aware that a vast majority of gyms have an option for a free trial membership. If you don’t have your local gym chain nearby or a gym at your hotel, then this is an amazing option. I often get free trial memberships simply because I enjoy working out somewhere new. They don’t usually require a local ID, so even if you are from out of state you can still get the free trial. If you are traveling for two weeks and the trials only last for a few days, then you can go to another gym and start another free trial. I once used 3 trial memberships in a two week period. I know some people may feel that is taking advantage of the company. If it helps, I always purchase snacks and drinks from the gym that I get the free trial from because it makes me feel like I am still contributing to the success of the business.
Gym Day Pass
If for some reason none of the above options are available, all gyms offer the option of a paid for day pass. This can often times be a bit pricey, usually around $10 a day, so ask for a free trial before you pay for the day pass. This is often a last resort, but a healthy lifestyle does sometimes carry a price.
Brendon Hoffmann 