IT’S THE MIDYEAR executive shuffle. European summer holidays are underway with further international and domestic work trips ramping up as we slide into the second half of the year.
For the busy executive, it’s par for the course. But it also raises a necessary question – with virtually no set routine, how is it possible to stay in shape? Here, my must-do fitness tips for people on the go:
- Hotel gyms: always book hotels with a decent gym. The reality is that if you can easily move from room to gym then you’ve no excuse not to go. Convenience is paramount.
- Online coaching: whether it’s your local PT or a coach that works exclusively with you online, get an online program that takes the thinking out of training and delivers further accountability.
- Train early: when travelling with an unpredictable schedule, the chances of an evening or lunchtime workout are slimmer than usual. Bite the bullet and set that alarm early so that you can cruise through the day with peace of mind that training is done.
- Protein shakes and bars: not sure where your next meal is coming from? This is where supplementation is king. Keep protein powder and bars handy to snack on when hungry, to keep feeding that muscle while curbing sugar cravings.
- Drink water, not alcohol: if you’re jumping between time zones there are some hard and fast rules to minimise jet lag and brain fog. No alcohol on the flight and 24 hours after landing… water only. Thank me later.
- Maintenance vs progress: there are times of year when travel is settled and a more consistent home routine sets in. This is the time to train hard and fight for progress. When constantly on the go, the best mindset to have is to worry less about progress and more about maintenance. Avoid sliding backwards and focus on keeping the habit of training so that when you return, you feel ready to go.
My teams train hundreds of clients who regularly travel every month of the year, sometimes given less than a day’s notice, and they each continue to make progress with their fitness over the long term. These tips are what we preach and I can say, hand on heart, they work. Safe travels.
Related:
Why top executives are turning to weight training to manage stress
The top 5 daily health habits of high performing execs
