Road Warrior: Staying Fit on the Road

Clark Bartram's picture

Many people who frequent this site also frequent the "friendly skies" of United or some other air carrier and admittedly have a rough time maintaining a fitness regimen while on the road.

As you know, I have been flying all over the place myself this year; China, Ohio, Germany, you name it I've been there and each trip has a set of challenges of it's own. My most resent trip to Ohio was the easiest because I CHOSE to make it that way.

You see, most other trips I managed to cheat on my diet, miss workouts and JUSTIFY my lame behavior. It really does come down to that. Back home in Ohio there is a place called The Pizza Oven and they make my favorite pizza in the world. I took a friend of mine for a slice and he literally begged me to eat some.

He was shocked when I refused time and time again. I knew one slice would affect me physically, but more emotionally than anything else. If I "gave in" to temptation I would be setting myself up for future "justifications", so I "just said “no”.

Having your "Why" or your goal firmly in place when you travel is super important in my opinion, otherwise it is too easy to have that "special food" that you can only get in that part of the world. Don’t get me wrong, indulging just a little bit is not the issue, night after night and trip after trip becomes the problem.

What should you do when traveling? Well, here is what works best for me.

  1. Carry your favorite protein powder and a shaker cup.
  2. Pack food that will last and not stink on the plane.
  3. Understand that everywhere you go will offer some excuse to "cheat" or deviate from the plan to stay on track.
  4. Don't allow friends to persuade you to eat anything that won't add to your overall goal of getting in better shape.
  5. Make time for the gym or at least walk outside.
  6. Become the example, not the norm.
  7. Don't skip meals.
  8. Drink plenty of H2O.
  9. Tell friends or family, in advance, to have clean foods at parties or family gatherings.
  10. Keep looking at the clarkbartram.com for motivation and encouragement.

Seriously, you don't have to overcomplicate anything, it is just our human tendency to do so. Any restaurant in the civilized world ( and even third world countries) will accommodate a "clean" eating protocol if you ask. It all falls back on your personal desire to maintain discipline and focus while traveling.

If the trip requires you indulge, just don't go too far off the plan. Make good choices and workout harder to compensate. Fitness is a lifestyle, so if your lifestyle calls for frequent travel you had better be prepared.

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You are so right!

Basheerah Ahmad's picture

I am out here on the road for three months, and I am tempted everyday! We are blessed to have this amazing catering service that travels with us. Just imagine down home cooking, every night!!

What I have been doing to stay in shape, and remain a healthy role model out here, is to eat loads of fresh fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water, and stay away fromn deserts! So far, my plan is working, but keep me in your prayers, guys :). Although we are fitness professionals, staying healthy is a trial for us as well.

Were proud of you!

Clark Bartram's picture

That is so cool you are on the road with Carie Underwood. Must be a blast, is she nice?
Clark Bartram

I love Pizza Oven!!

Melinda Meyer's picture

yum, I remember that place, haven't had it in YEARS though!

My family, when I go home to Canton, they always want to treat me to Italo's Pizza, but what they really are wanting is an excuse for THEM to have it! ha .
I always say no and they can't believe I don't want it!

The mind is powerful, and you are right, you HAVE to establish that goal of specifically what you will and will NOT allow yourself to indulge in and when. Because if you do not have this set, you will find yourself saying "well just this once", or "one more bite because I am on vacation".

I tell myself I will NOT allow myself to get the peanuts or anything on the plane, and if it's more than a 2 hour flight, always bring some of your own healthy snacks!
Thanks for the tips!

How about Heggy's?

Clark Bartram's picture

My Aunt Donna took me to Heggy's and bought about 10lbs of chocolate and fresh roasted nuts. I didn't eat one!!!
 
Clark Bartram

New York

Keith Cormican's picture

Yeah, great tips once again. On the subject of travel, Im flying to New York from London next week. Does anyone have any tips on gyms to check out while Im there? I've never been & have no idea of what's in town. No worries, but any suggestions are grealy appreciated.
Thanks guys.
All the best. Keith Cormican.

Internet

Clark Bartram's picture

I'm sure you'll find something online. NYC is packed with all different types of PT gyms, swanky places and key clubs. You'll have no problem locating something. Have fun!
Clark Bartram

You nailed it Clark

Kim Challan's picture

Thanks so much for sharing on this topic and how YOU do it! This is also a huge passion for Tom and I. As you know with our business we travel every month and we are committed to sticking to our plan. Here's some quick tips we've learned to do over the years...

We almost always pack our vitamix. First thing after getting to our hotel we take a taxi to the nearest whole foods or grocery store to get lots of fruits, vegetables and water. This saves you tons of money and then we usually split a salmon meal for dinner.

We bring plenty of protein powder and pre-made snack bags. Our favorite snack to take on the plane and for a quick snack on the run is a bag of nuts (mostly almonds), cacao nibs and gogi berries or raisons. This has awesome flavor and the cacao gives you energy!

For work outs, we either hit the gym early, do a work out on the beach (if we're on vacation) or I like to bring resistant bands and leg weights for a quick work out anytime.

To healthy travel!

Kim

Vitamix!

Mike Arnesen's picture

I love my Vitamix and use it nearly everyday. I never even thought to bring it on trips. It would be great though, I just got back from covering Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas and it would have been great to have my vitamix and get some green smoothies!