How to stay on track while you travel: 101

Summer is right around the corner, which. means travel season is about to pick up. Maybe you've rededicated yourself to a health and/or fitness goal for the new year, or maybe you're been on your journey for some time now. Either way, we all struggle at times maintain those habits while we vacation. Here are a few quick tips and tricks I use when I travel:

1: Take a hike/walk. Perhaps you're traveling to a place robust with outdoor activities. Or maybe not. Most places have trail systems (some more than others) that you can plan a hike. Personally, I love the AllTrails app. I can search the area I'm going, save the trails I want to hit on my trip to my "Favorites" (or create a specific list), and access the trail map at anytime (as long as they are saved) regardless of cell service.

Or maybe you're traveling to a city or area that's historical in nature and trail systems are harder to come by. In that case, skip the taxi and take a walk. Not only will you find yourself immersed in that new culture, but you'll be getting some miles in too.

Remember, the key is to be ACTIVE!

2. Practice 30 minutes of bodyweight/resistance exercise each morning before you venture out for the day. This could look as simple as three rounds of push-ups, wall-sits, crunches, planks, lunges, etc. Add your brain to the mix and conjure up some resistance to complete some curls, pull-downs, rows, etc. Couple these movements with some active rest such as running in place, high knees, jumping jacks, etc. You could complete a substantial full-body workout if you really wanted to, and not need any equipment whatsoever! Be creative with it - I promise you, you'll be breathing hard and your heart will be thumping. And honestly, why does this have to be something reserved only for when you travel!?

3. Heading to a resort? - participate in an active excursion. Again, movement is key. Find yourself somewhere tropical, take a dip with some snorkel gear. Use your body to navigate the resistance of the ocean and explore the land under the sea! Or, find something even more challenging - like a surfing lesson. Your core will thank you later...or hate you!

4: Choose your indulgence ahead of time! We've talked about ways to stay active. Most of the

time, we fall off the wagon when it comes to our diet! One of my favorite parts about traveling is finding good restaurants to eat in...and I prepare for those meals in advance by choosing activities in which I can "earn" that indulgence! I will look up the menu, plan my meal, and then find something to do that day that I can consider a sufficient work-out. I'm not saying its the best method, but it's what I do.

5. Drink alcohol in moderation. If you have access to an open bar (all-inclusive) it can be hard to limit your intake. I love a Bahama Mama like the best of them, but alternating alcohol with a serving of water will accomplish two things: 1) it will keep you hydrated and help aid your recovery from any workout/exercise you've done or plan to do that day, and 2) it will help prevent the ever-daunting vacation hangover!

What's the bottom line? The only thing that can derail you from your goals while you're traveling is the choice to let yourself get derailed. Don't get me wrong - if you've been in an intense training cycle for 6 months, you definitely need a week off. But only off of training. Continue to find ways to be active and continue to make healthy choices when it comes to diet. It's certainly okay to enjoy yourself and have the slice of pie after dinner...but remember moderation. The worst part about traveling sometimes is coming home and getting on the scale. I have a voice in my head that never misses a chance to say "Let's see what the damage is"! At the end of the day, if you fall of the wagon on vacation you're just one CHOICE away from getting back on track!