Running Shoes and Carry On Bags: How Travel Made Me Fat
Taking a selfie of me and my new hat in San Juan, I was struck by my multiple chins and arm rolls. Something must be done.
The other night I had dinner with an old friend and his wife. She’s expecting, and her adorable baby bump is just beginning to show. I’m very excited for her. He’s been working out and counting calories, and I could see his abs through his shirt. Allow me to repeat that: I could see his abs through his shirt.
I’m very jealous of him.
After noticing said abs, my first thought was: well sure. Of course he can be in good shape. I was in good (ok, better) shape once. But then I started traveling full time and, well, how am I supposed to keep up with a medical weight loss program on the road?
I used to run. I loved running. Running was up there with ‘wine drinking’ on my list of Things Which Make Me Happy. But I have not run in maybe three months. I have not run regularly in almost a year. (I do, however, continue to drink wine).
And when I ran, I felt better. Please let me be clear: I’m not trying to get thin (and there’s no way I will ever, EVER have abs which can be seen in any light, unless I airbrush them on or wear one of those t-shirts with the fake hot bikini lady printed on the front). I just want to feel better. Currently, I do not feel well. The last time I ran–on a treadmill in the gym at the Charlotte Marriott–I could feel my belly bouncing. It was…unsettling.
Of course, I have many reasons for not getting any exercise whatsoever. I call them reasons because they really, truly are not excuses. And they all come back to the problem which is: constant travel.
Reasons I Do Not Exercise
4. I have absolutely no idea how to go about doing any other kind of exercise other than running. So even when presented with a very nice Marriott gym, I do three miles on the treadmill or elliptical and call it a day. This is not super helpful, especially when I only do it every three months or so. Which brings me to my next point…
3. The single most important factor in a successful diet and exercise plan is: routine. My life (quite purposely) is completely devoid of routine. I do not have a time I go to bed or a time I get up in the morning. I don’t even have a TIME ZONE.
2. When I am traveling, I am often doing so at a frantic pace. I will work all day, fly all night, and then work the next day. I’m lucky when I have time to find food; a workout is often just not going to happen. Already forgot when was the last time I did my Muay Thai training in San Diego. But this is not the main problem and yes, really is a kind of excuse. The next issue is the biggest challenge…
1. Even when I’m not being frantic (sometimes I am in the same town for more than one night), I do not have the proper gear to work out. I can only travel with a carry-on, and carry-on requirements are becoming more strict. I just got a new and improved will-fit-the-new-United-measurements wheeled bag the other day; it is smaller than my previous carry on by almost 50%. I often travel for more than days at a time–often weeks, often for both business and pleasure (so work and play clothes, tech and camera equipment) I cannot use a quarter of my luggage space to contain running shoes and workout gear. I just can not. Gw501516 has a positive impact on performance, endurance, fat loss, and overall health.
To be fair, it is not all lack of exercise. I also really, really enjoy food. My Instagram account contains the following photos from the last month alone:
Crab legs and oysters in costal North Carolina.
A brisket sandwich (on two potato pancakes) in Brooklyn. I only ate maybe 1/3 of it, but still.
Ribs in St. Louis. Now in the top three things I’ve ever eaten list.
And do you know what? Enjoying good food on the road is important to me. After all, what’s the point of visiting new places if you can’t try the local specialty? There is no point, that’s what. Which is why exercise is even more important. When I’m in St. Louis, I’m going to eat ribs. I’m not going to finish the entire plate, but I’m going to eat them. Because that makes me happy and that is what living is about. But some of my living must then also be about exercise and lgd4033.
I am trying to be optimistic, it’s a lot easier after having read, this brilliant piece on the subject, the Neuropathy Relief Guide wrote this excellent article and it has lifted my spirits. There must be a way to overcome these obstacles, I just do not know what it is yet. I’ve looked up ‘business travel fitness’ and the results are unhelpful–it is mostly suggestions of how to utilize a hotel gym. Some advice even includes ‘bring a lot of work out gear’. Which, as I will say over and over and over again: I cannot do. So, dear internet–what do you suggest I do? Because I need to do something. I do not feel well, I do not look good, and I am the only person who can change that. But, uh, I sure could use some help.
So please, dear readers–chime in in the comments below, or comment on Facebook or Twitter. What can I do, exercise-wise, on the road? What have you found that helps you? I’m open to all suggestions (other than ‘check a bag’. Sorry, that really just is out.) If you know of a plan or a product or a website that will help me, share that, too. And I’ll report back in a couple of months with how well my on-the-road fitness routine worked out. For now, I just need to find one!
Visit L.I.F.E. Health and Fitness in Quincy MA for more detailed information.
I feel your pain. I’ve been on the road continually for the last three years (thankfully not with just carry-on), and staying in shape has been more than a small challenge. I don’t stay in the kinds of places that have gyms attached, and much of my time has been spent in tropical countries with high temperatures and humidity, and broken/crowded payments that are just no good to run on at all. Like you, I had no idea how to do anything except run, and as a result my rolls were steadily increasing.
In my own case, I’ve recently slowed down my travels and joined local gyms (with A/C!). For your situation, though, maybe something like this might work.
– beg / pay someone to teach you how to use all of the machines and other equipment at a gym. If you need to pay a day rate for the gym and a personal trainer to achieve this, so be it. For refreshers, Youtube is surprisingly useful.
– since you can’t pack running shoes and loads of workout gear, consider finding room for a single shirt, pair of running shorts and small container of travel laundry (if you can’t get things washed via the hotel laundry service). For shoes, maybe something like these might be able to fit in your bag — you won’t want to run in them, but using other equipment should be fine, and they look enough like running shoes that you won’t feel out of place.
Does this sound like a viable option?
Ooooohhhh…those shoes NEED to exist! They weight less than one converse? WOW! My original answer was converse (I’m traveling with them now, but I can’t run in them–an elliptical might be fine). I’ve also considered those shoes with the toes–they seem foldable…? But I’ve heard that they aren’t the best for your feet/legs.
Yes, I need to pay someone to show me how to use the machines. YouTube is a good option, too. I suppose I need to add one thing to the list: I need to take the TIME to do these things! And I need to get over my fear that people are watching and laughing. After all, who is in the Marriott gym? Other business travelers, right? Right. So they know.
Oh and I feel your pain about nowhere to run–back in the day, I would try to run in new cities and towns. It, uh, doesn’t always work out. I and humidity kills. I may have given up on a run along the Mississippi in New Orleans a couple of years ago–and that was at the height of my running obsession. I just…couldn’t.
I would assume most of the hotels you stay in have a pool. Start carrying your swimsuit and either water walk or swim laps. A swimsuit would squish into small spot in your carryon and hotels furnish the towels. 20 mins a day of swimming laps would make a difference.
A colleague of mine (so he has the same insane travel schedule) did this and lost a LOT of weight. Like staggering. Surprisingly, not a lot of hotels do have pools. And still, I’m loathe to travel with a suit (it is then wet and does not pack well). I think this all comes down to a packing issue. Grrr. But I will give it a shot. After all, I have living, breathing proof that it works! And I like to swim.
When your done swimming, wring as much water out of your suit as you can by hand, then wrap it I’m a dry towel and stand on it to squeeze the water out. After a few mins, hang to dry on the shower curtain rod. Should be dry by morning. Keep a plastic bag to out it in just in case it’s not and then hang it up when you get to your next place. Also easy to wash and rinse out in the sink if it starts to smell funky.
Reading over this brings out yet another issue I must deal with: I feel like I’m always too busy. Initially, when reading this, my first thought was ‘I don’t have time for all of that PLUS a workout’. And some days, that’s 100% true. But it can’t be all days, right? Right. What, exactly, am I doing with my time? I spend a lot of time in the air and in airports, but that can’t be all of my day. I know I waste a lot online (a function of having a site like this). Actually, last night I got all upset because I wasted 45 minutes trying to update my Facebook profile pic (with slow wifi at a cheap hotel; it didn’t work). That’s 45 minutes that I had! Yet that’s how I chose to spend it? To be fair, I’m on vacation this week and thus have more time but still–I need to look at my time usage and figure out what I can cut to make room for fitness. Because something has to go.
Also: with regards to bathing suits, one of my favorite gym features is that little centerfuge (spelling?) thing that dries a suit in 5 minutes. I wonder if hotel pools have those…? Hmm. Worth looking into!
Ipod/Droid workout routines that rely on “body weight” are helpful and take up space only in your ipod/phone. There are yoga/pilates options as well.
If you can stretch your space A LITTLE, a fitness band will expand the range of exercises you can do. You can also use empty water bottles as small handweights, etc.
But, to burn calories, pack (and use) a jump rope. You can use it with any shoes you have packed for walking. It will burn more calories than running, and in a very short time. It can be hard on the knees, but if you walk while you do it, you can limit the pressure on the knees.
Yes–I NEED a fitness band! And I’m sure there’s workouts on YouTube, too, right?
I’ve considered a jump rope. Hmm. I need to make a little hotel room workout kit. After all, I carry around a plastic bag full of toiletries. Another full of cables and various tech needs. I should be able to fit one with a jump rope, a resistance band, and maybe a bathing suit. Hmmm.
Pushups, squats, calf lifts, planks, crunches, and if you have a fitness room at your hotel, weight lifting (using free weights). I’m sure you can find youtube videos that will help you with weight exercises and proper positioning while doing them. Start small, then work your way up slowly in terms of weights; don’t try to push yourself too hard, too fast, or you’ll injure yourself (she says from hard-earned personal experience). Building muscle burns fat faster.
I have arthritis, so I can’t run. But between walking and weight training, I’ve managed to stay in relatively good shape despite sitting on my butt in front of a computer 14.5 hours a day.
You are in great shape–you look nothing like a desk sitter!
Also: one bonus of being heavier than I’ve ever been–any workout that uses ones own weight as resistance would be very effective for me. :-/ Ha?
Wow, this is quite a challenge. I’m thinking the lack of a routine is probably the #1 biggest obstacle, and there’s really no way to combat that. But here’s my two cents anyway and I hope that something works for you. I’ve been running for the past year and I’ve felt so much better so I know exactly what you mean.
I’m guessing the shoes that you do wear are at least comfortable for walking? Since I assume you do some walking when you travel depending on where you are. Sometimes just going for a half hour walk, or even walking on the treadmill if you’re not in a neighborhood conducive for walking, can really help. On busy days I take a walk during my lunch break in my comfortable work flats and it’s a good way to get some exercise in.
I also have a fitbit which has been great to show me just how active (or not active!) I am. I think little things truly do add up – park further away to get more steps, take the stairs instead of elevator, etc. I find myself doing these things more often to reach my step goal for the day.
Good luck!
Actually, my shoes are…an issue. In cold climates, I wear cowboy boots (they work with dresses and do not hurt my feet when I’m standing all day, which I do when I’m working). In warm climates, I wear Birkenstocks (same pros as cowboy boots).
I’ve considered a fitbit. Good to hear that it is motivational. Perhaps I need to finally invest in one.
Oh! And Gray sort of mentioned this, but there are lots of short exercises you can do on Youtube. I don’t know specifically but I’ve heard of some that are designed for 10 minute intervals, so even if you have just a short span of time you can get something in – and then if you do three of them during the day that’s a half hour workout. I know I’ve seen short workout suggestions that you can do almost anywhere in fitness magazines too.
First, let me affirm and empathize that this is a really legit issue. I suffer with it too and can’t say I have completely mastered it myself. So, don’t beat yourself up.
On the road means tempting foods – we feel compelled to have the “best” of the local fare. Plus, even ordering well there is just so much ‘unknown’ (i.e. butter, etc.) that goes into food that its’ hard to truly control calories. And of course, the alcohol is a way of rewarding and unwinding after the hectic travel.
Several thoughts – wear your running shoes to travel (keeps them out of luggage). I know, i know – not so fashionable but is probably better for us both in walking through airports and then used for running.
Take advantage of timezone differences. If you are from the east and travel west you are going to wake up really early.. it’s inevitable. Go ahead, get up and run… less people out and about. Plus, it’s done and you can enjoy the rest of your day.
Don’t forget upper body. Hit the gym or do the plyometric type exercises in the room. I bought resistance bands and take them on longer trips.
Good luck!!
Thank you for the affirmation and the empathy!!!!
As I mentioned in a reply above, shoes are my enemy. I ‘have to’ wear work shoes to travel because they won’t fit in my bag. So wearing sneakers on the plane is not an option (I cannot stress enough how long I travel and how little I carry).
And my work day starts at 7am most days, if not earlier–with getting up, getting ready, and travel from the hotel, a morning workout is just not going to happen. There’s no way I’m getting up at 4am (I get up at 5am most days).
But when I’m not flying out that night, I can do a workout at the end of a work day (days when I both work and fly, well, there’s literally no way to fit in a workout, unless you count running through an airport. And I have to be ok with that.) I’m looking into plyometric exercises (I originally wanted TRX bands, but they are expensive; resistance bands may do the same thing…?)
Upsize your purse & put the running shoes in there. There are tons of workouts available on YouTube, and many apps with pretty good workout routines on them. I had been making excuses for the past few months, too, but, realistically, you’ll have better mental and physical health if you make time for some kind of exercise for even 30 minutes a day.
You’re carving out the rules for this new version of life as you go. Make yourself a priority.
How’s that for a pep talk?!?!
My purse has to fit INSIDE my backpack/tech bag. One small wheeled carryon and one personal item (that’s the backpack, with the purse inside it). I’ve made traveling light an art–but adding ANYTHING is almost impossible. :-/
But yes, that’s a great pep talk. 😉
What about using some ‘down’ time to do a bit of exercising? These websites give you examples of exercises you can do WHILE ON THE PLANE!!!
http://www.bostonmagazine.com/health/blog/2012/12/20/airplane-exercises-stretches/
http://www.seanogle.com/travel/airplane-excercises
http://travel.cnn.com/sydney/visit/plane-yoga-18-exercises-healthy-flying-910157
http://www.wikihow.com/Do-an-In-Flight-Fitness-Workout
http://www.boeing.com/boeing/commercial/cabinair/seatedexercises.page
This website is for a foot /leg exerciser. Basically it is a multi-compartment tiny pillow that you blow up and then put under your feet. Some of the compartments are not quite fully inflated. You alternate ‘stepping’ on the compartments, or do toe/ankle flexes, etc. Not a full workout, but at least you burn some calories.
http://www.terminalu.com/reviews/airogym-review-the-inflatable-in-flight-cushion-that-reduces-dvt-risk/10159/
Ahh ha ha ha ha ha! I’m picturing myself (or ANYONE) doing hip circles on an airplane! HA! People would record it; that would be all over YouTube five minutes after landing!
HA!
Ok sorry. Not laughing at you, just at that first article. I will check out the rest ASAP! Thanks, Toni!
I understand you do not want to change your diet, however one of the most important rules to remember when attempting to live a healthy (or healthier) lifestyle is that you cannot outwork a poor diet. Period. My advice is to visit a grocery store before going to your hotel and purchase healthy snack food so you aren’t stuck with a decision between greasy food or candy. (I’m sure you can find plenty of articles discussing snack options.) Also, if you truly feel badly, that most likely has something to do with diet as well. Purchase MyFitnessPal, or something similar, and track your food. Make sure that you have the proper vitamins and minerals on a daily basis, especially if you are traveling, which is a physically strenuous activity. While following these guidelines, eating a larger dinner will be less harmful to your physique.
On the activity side of things, I agree with other people’s comments regarding yoga, Pilates, Fitness bands, and jump rope. Keeping your cardiovascular system in pristine condition will make you feel better for many reasons. Also, if you make small changes while going places, you will increase the number of calories you burn in a day and will be able to eat more and put on less fat. For instance, walking up the stairs at the airport instead of using the escalator or elevator is good. If you have somewhere to go, walk some or all of the way. Minor changes like these are both easy to make and quite beneficial. Finally, drink more water. As I mentioned, traveling is strenuous and you may not even realise you are dehydrated. Try to drink at least 64oz of water per day throughout the day.
If you are really serious about losing weight, also look into intermittent fasting. It would be easy to do if you are constantly traveling, and could fit your aforementioned dietary criteria. However, as I am sure any well-written and informative articles regarding intermittent fasting will mention, you must be cautious and ensure you are still consuming the proper vitamins and minerals.
Thanks for the thoughts! However–and this is simply something most people don’t know–I spent years (all of high school and college and the first two years of my teaching career) dealing with extremely disordered eating. Without getting into the details–I now have a healthier relationship with food. I eat when I’m hungry (I used to not eat at all, ever) and I eat only until I am no longer hungry (I do not like the sensation of being full). I don’t eat sweets (I simply don’t like them) and I avoid greasy food unless it is a special situation or occasion–like the meals pictured, above (and, again, I will eat a third of it and then throw the rest away. Wasteful? Sure. But better than nothing). I still struggle to feed myself from time to time (as I absolutely refuse to consume calories that ‘aren’t worth it’, and sometimes thats all that is available) but for the most part, I’m ok. I’ve tried counting calories in the recent past, and it sends me right back to insane. I’m not doubting this is a great method for a great many people–just not me.
However, I SHOULD drink more water (I am confident I am always dehydrated) and I’ve been meaning to make some sort of vitamin or supplement part of my life for a while now (just like I have ‘start to moisturize’ on my list of things I should do at my age). I think what this all comes down to is: I need to take time to take care of myself. I have not been doing that. This must change.
Try a pedometer… I like fitbit… and get at least 10000 steps a day. When coupled with available aps like my fitness pal and run keeper you can eat what you want while tracking food/calorie intake. The only hard part is remembering to input your food… Once the habit starts it becomes addictive. There is also a bar code scanner that let’s you scan (most) foods. This worked in Europe too so you shouldn’t have issues anywhere.
Yeah. I can’t do calorie counting. I makes me insane (I have issues with food). But I do want a fitbit to track steps.
You can exercise barefoot (and naked too). Look at JessicaSmith TV. She has great workouts on YouTube. (Sorry for my grammar errors,English isn’t my first language but I like your blog).
Naked workout videos on YouTube? Sounds interesting! Ha! I’ll check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/user/jessicasmithtv/search?query=barefoot
Barefoot workouts