gyms – Brendon Hoffmann

GET CREATIVE

In my last post I talked about different ways to find a gym when traveling. Although most places you travel will have a gym close by, it is not always an option. It can be discouraging for some people to workout without access to a gym but there are still many options for getting in a good working. It just involves some creativity.

CARDIO IS YOUR FRIEND

I realize not everyone likes cardio, but its a very easy option when traveling for work. The most obvious option is to go for a run. Everyone has access to a GPS on their phone so going for a run in an unfamiliar area can be easily tracked and you don’t have to worry about getting lost. There are many apps that can be used for planning a run. I personally will look up great areas for running and biking online before I arrive in a new city.

If you aren’t a fan of running biking can be another great option. This is mainly an option if you travel using your own personal vehicle. I typically travel by plane so I do not have this option unless there is a bike rental store. If you do travel with your own vehicle purchase a bike rack and bring your bike along with you. Biking is one of the best forms of exercise and can be a fun way to stay in shape.

BRING EQUIPMENT

I have discovered that sometimes the best option is to simply bring some equipment with you. The item that will give you the most versatility is a resistance band. Resistance bands come in various forms and with different levels of resistance, so I will typically take a few different kinds with me. They take up very little room in your luggage so they are great even if you only have a carry-on.

There are a variety of workouts that you can do using resistance bands and they can all be done in the comfort of a hotel room or wherever you may be staying. When it comes to the types of workouts you can do with resistance bands, there is a plethora of different online sources that will provide you with full workouts using just the resistance bands.

If you travel for work using your own vehicle then there should be plenty of room in the trunk to pack things like a portable pull-up bar or push-up handles. These items can also be used for a variety of workouts. At times I have even packed a few weights in my trunk.

Resistance bands
Portable Pull-up bar
Push-up Handles
Free weights
Yoga Mat

PLAN AHEAD

The last piece of advise I want to leave you with on this particular subject is to plan these workouts before you leave for your trip. Work trips are typically very exhausting and the last thing you want to do is put the extra stress of figuring out your workout when you are finally done with work for the day. If you already have your workouts planned, it is a lot easier to motivate yourself to get in a good exercise after a long day of work.

Finding a Gym

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.