Weeks spent on the road can put you behind on your fitness goals. The hotels you stay in are convenient for work. However, their fitness centers may not have much beyond a few treadmills. You likely won’t find very much specialized workout equipment or floor space. Accommodations near airports and conference centers may not have easy access to safe running routes or hiking trails either.
Take matters into your own hands with travel workout equipment that packs a punch and fits into your carry on luggage. Invest in travel exercise equipment that’s small, lightweight, and complements the workout routine you use while you’re home.
The Basics
First things first, remember to pack your sneakers and workout clothes. If the hotel you’re staying at has a pool, throw in a swimsuit for water workouts. There’s nothing worse than planning to sneak in a workout before your first client meeting or conference session and realizing you’re not prepared with the basics.
There is plenty of travel fitness equipment that is both compact and provides a full-body workout. Start with a yoga mat or other portable workout surface. This will make any exercise more comfortable and give you a dedicated space for bodyweight exercises. Jump ropes (or cordless jump ropes) can be used for small-space cardio and resistance bands will provide a workout for most major muscle groups.
Take it Up a Notch
You can also upgrade your workout with more sophisticated travel fitness equipment. Many ab wheels come apart to fit in carry on luggage. For mountain climbers and lunges that make you feel the burn, pack a set of gliding disks as well. Inflatable travel exercise equipment is also an option. An exercise ball or wobble cushion adds a challenge to even simple workouts. Just don’t forget the pump (and ensure yours is TSA-friendly)!
If you want to add weight to your on-the-go fitness routine, there are a few ways to put extra pounds in your luggage. For just a few pounds, pack ankle weights. You can probably get away with packing just one if you plan your workouts strategically. A portable kettlebell or medicine ball is surprisingly travel-friendly. Just fill the kettlebell or medicine ball with water in your hotel room and empty it before you head to the airport. There are also exercise sandbags that can be filled with water for a portable workout.
Travel Gym Equipment
Some gym equipment companies make portable sets designed to travel well while mimicking the workout you’re used to doing in the gym. Most travel-friendly home gym sets include a combination of resistance bands and accessories. These sets are already assembled and often come with sample workouts, making it easy to unpack and start exercising.
Other gym-like options include suspension straps designed to be attached anywhere for an enhanced bodyweight workout. You can also fold up an agility ladder in your carry on if you know you’ll have the space to use it at the hotel or in a nearby green space.
If you’re still not sure what travel workout equipment is best for you, get inspired by one of these hotel room workout ideas.
