What generally happens to our physical fitness program when we travel?  It all goes down hill right? Well it doesn’t have to be that way. All it takes is planning and a clear mind set of what you want to achieve.  So often people tell me when they go on vacation or away on a business trip, they not only didn’t workout, but they over ate on all the wrong foods.

Here are some rules of thumb to live by when traveling:

#1 Rule – Don’t stay anywhere that doesn’t have a gym.  These days that is pretty hard not to find.

#2 Rule – Plan your workout time just like you plan your meal times and pencil it into your day planner the same as you would if you were planning a business lunch.

#3 Rule – Reprioritize and rearrange your mindset on where exercise ranks in your life. Be sure to put it at the top.  It must be recognized as a necessary and automatic function – Just like waking up in the morning and brushing your teeth or looking for breakfast.

#4 Rule – If you are short on time do body weight exercises and/or whip out that exercise tube I so often talk about and get busy.

#5 Rule – Make smart dining choices.  Just because you are away from home there is still no excuse for eating bad.  Many places today have a small selection of healthy menus.  If they don’t, you have to mix, match and just ask for what you want.  I do it all the time and 95% of the time I get my way.

Traveling is stressful and exercise is the antidote – No doubt!  How are you handling the stress when traveling?  Are you creative or just playing it by ear?