Traveling these days can really take it out of you. Thank goodness for Recycle Studio! When I am in Boston I can release all of the stress that comes with travel (and just day-to-day work) and keep my body in shape and ready for the sprints through the airports.
My full time job requires me to travel almost every week. I am definitely never bored, but it can wear me down. Eating healthy, nutrient rich food is one challenge along with making time to get a sweat in while on the road. To ensure all of the hard work on the bike isn’t negated, I try to make travel work for me, not against me!
Travel in general can introduce you to amazing cultures and new experiences, but I got into the routine of work-is-work-is-work. All the hotels and conference rooms looked the same, I just happen to be in a different city. WRONG attitude.
Now, I plan ahead and research small local studio options and tell myself I will wake up in time for the 5:30 or 6:00 am class. I like to find the place where the locals are sweating! This has definitely made my travel more interesting and fun. I see more than just the airport, hotel and conference rooms now.
A recent gem I discovered:
Over the past year, I have often been traveling to an area outside of Philadelphia. At Recycle we love to support small, local businesses (#LOCALLOVE!). With this in mind, I found my new favorite Barre spot (ever): Barre Focus Fitness (http://barrefocusfitness.com/). The #goodvibes and energy reminds me of Recycle Studio, just minus the bikes! The owner Amy is wonderful and all of the instructors are great and clearly support each other! You really never know what you will discover.
Recommendations:
If you cannot find a studio or the class times don’t align with your schedule, try to find 15-20 minutes to be active! The hardest step is putting the clothes and shoes on, then just convince yourself to run, walk, lift for 20 minutes. 20 minutes is better than nothing and once you are into it (if you have more time) you may just stay a little longer. There are always options for workouts with no equipment as well as ways to get creative in the hotel gym. Before your trip, ask our resident trainers, Katie B. and Emily, for ideas! I use some of Emily’s routines from Barry’s to mix up a boring treadmill.
As for eating healthy, that is another potential (real) pitfall for me. I am a vegetarian who loves chocolate and NEEDS chocolate when I am stressed. You put that altogether and drop me in an airport, oh my… pizza and chocolate for every meal! Unfortunately, that combination tastes great but leaves me feeling drained (mentally and physically), so I have put a lot of effort into changing what I am naturally drawn to eat.
Here are some eating tips that have helped me on the road (and are realistic):
Breakfast
1) Near almost any hotel, there is a Starbucks: The oatmeal is a good, healthy, hearty and a filling option and there is usually a banana or some fruit.
2) If there are local shops or the hotel room service isn’t charging $100 per bite, I try to find Greek yogurt as well. Yogurt and fruit is becoming easier to find in airports these days too.
3) If all else fails, I always have Kind bars in my bags.
Lunch/Dinner
1) I love that the build your own salad trend is everywhere! I found a great local spot in Columbus, Ohio. Google and Yelp! are your friends! This place was actually 50 feet from my hotel.
2) In an airport, you might be able to find a restaurant with a decent salad also, but a lot of airports have frozen yogurt spots (please note: I know this is not the healthiest option, but it satisfies my sugar craving and I put a lot of fruit on top to ensures that I don’t eat packaged junk food or start nibbling on the person next to me on my flight) This is usually a last resort… I really try to hunt down a substantial, healthy, vegetable heavy option first, I swear!
Just remember, there are healthy options everywhere.. you just have to look!
