Even if you're not planning to take a full-fledged vacation this year, travel is a necessity for most of us, whether for work, weddings, or weekend trips to visit family and friends. And since you're pursuing a healthy lifestyle, you know that fitness should be a permanent part of your life whether you're at home or on the road. Obviously, you can't take your gym with you. Dumbbells, mats, and balls don't always pack well, either. Luckily, there are a few portable pieces of equipment that you CAN pack to ensure you'll get a good workout away from home. Here are three that cost less than $11 each—you may even have them at home already! 1. Resistance Band ($10 or less) I'm a big fan of resistance bands because they're inexpensive, portable and very effective. Lightweight and flexible, it's a breeze to stash these in your suitcase or carryon bag without worrying out going over the airline's weight limit or using up too much valuable packing space. You can literally work all of your muscles in a variety of ways with one single band. Typically, they cost about $10 or less, and are usually durable enough to last a long time—I for one still have the same resistance bands that I've had for used and they're still going strong. If you need ideas for using your band away from home, check out the great resources SparkPeople compiled on this page: dozens of demos (that you can print and bring with you) and videos, too. Even if you don't travel, bands are great to use at home or at the office. You can buy yours at the SparkPeople Store for $9.50. 2. Jump Rope ($8 or less) We all used to jump rope as kids and call it fun, but if you've ever tried it as an adult, you know that it's no child's play. Jumping rope is serious work and it burns mega calories, too. Like resistance bands, a good jump rope is easy to pack when you're on the go. And while it's challenging, you can always break up your jumping workout into several mini workouts, such as a few minutes at a time, scattered throughout the day. You may not have room to jump rope in your hotel, but there probably is room outside your hotel (or in the lobby is you so dare!). A good jump rope will have comfortable handles, beads (that helps prevent the rope from kinking, which can be dangerous and annoying), and adjustability for your height. SparkPeople's beaded jump rope ($6.50) fits the bill and fits any budget! Check out my 10-Minute Jump Rope Workout video for ideas to use yours, along with this article for tips to get started. 3. Pedometer ($5 and up) Pedometers vary considerably in price, from very basic models to high-tech gadgets that use GPS and track your real-time speed. Like many gadgets, you get what you pay for—some of the least expensive pedometers can lack accuracy. One of the best things about a pedometer is that it motivates you to get moving—to compete against yourself and walk (or run) a little further each day. When you're traveling, sometimes the last thing you want to do is work out—especially if you're tired from a business trip or trying to relax and enjoy a vacation. A great alternative to a formal workout is to clip on your pedometer for the day and set a steps goal: somewhere near 10,000 steps is good, but 15,000 steps or more is even better on a day that you didn't do a planned workout. Walking and staying active while you travel can help you prevent the notorious "vacation weight gain" and a pedometer can be your workout buddy. SparkPeople's pedometer, made by Bell fitness is one of the most popular and highest selling pedometers available. Known for its accuracy and ease of use, it can be yours for $10.50. Get more tips about setting a step goal and using a pedometer here. Often, we have the best intentions to eat well and exercise in the hotel gym when we're away from home. But it can be all-too-tempting to fall out of these habits when you're out of your normal elements—and routine. By packing your bag with the right stuff for exercise—whether the small equipment above or your good pair of running shoes, you'll set yourself up for success! Do you pack fitness equipment when you travel? Maybe more importantly, do you actually use it when you pack it? |
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