Tips for keeping your health and fitness routine while you travel

Did you make a New Year’s resolution to eat healthier and exercise more? Studies show that nearly 80 percent of all resolutions are abandoned mid-February. Research indicates that it actually takes 66 days to a form a new habit, so if you can keep your new health and fitness routine until March 7, you will have a much higher chance of making your new regime a more permanent part of your life. Don’t let travel foil your goals. Here are several tips to help you maintain a healthy routine on the road.

Plan ahead

This is one of the most important keys to sticking to a healthy routine while you travel. For example, does the airport you are traveling through offer a gym or yoga room? Some hotels offer a unique menu of fitness services such as a running concierge, use of bicycles, fitness classes or videos. Check with your hotel in advance to verify these options along with fitness room’s hours and what kind of exercise equipment is provided. This way you can more effectively build workouts into your schedule and pack the right things needed, even if it’s just a resistance band or similar for in-room exercise. 

Pack snacks

One of the best ways of avoiding the temptations and added calories of fast junk food is to bring your own healthy snacks. Protein bars, packable fruit or almonds can help you stave off hunger while keeping your fuel levels consistent throughout your busy day.  Also, be sure to drink plenty of water. Drinking a full water bottle before you eat can help curb your appetite and will help keep you well hydrated.  

Use apps

There are a wide variety of apps that can help you keep your health and fitness routine while you travel. If you like to run, try MapMyRun or RunGo to help you find a great route in the area you are visiting. Check out a motivational app such as Asics Studio or You Are Your Own Gym, which provide workouts with or without gym equipment, respectively.  Then, food search apps like Food Tripping or Happy Cow can help you find nearby restaurants, food markets, or juice bars that offer healthy foods that fit your dietary needs or can help you keep calories in check.

Make good sleep a priority

Getting plenty of good quality sleep is also important to staying healthy, especially while on the road.  Being well-rested will not only help keep your immune system working effectively but studies show that a lack of good sleep can actually sabotage your diet and exercise routine. As some hotel chains work to improve the sleep experience, you may be able to take advantage of amenities such as a menu of pillows (some hotel chains let you store your preferences in your loyalty profile) while others are introducing SmartRooms, which give guests better control over room temperature and lighting.