Frequent travel and busy periods don’t have to interrupt your fitness routine. There are plenty of ways to stay fit when you are on the road or can’t make it to the gym. If you have a little space and an exercise mat, you can work out almost anywhere.
Yoga — More than 36 million Americans practice yoga, and its popularity continues to grow. You can improve your flexibility, balance, strength and cardiovascular health by doing various yoga poses, plus the exercise can help calm your mind and reduce stress. Try a six-week plan and see if your overall quality of life improves.
Pilates — Originally intended for physical therapy, Pilates builds core strength and improves balance and flexibility. The fitness system developed by German trainer Joseph Pilates also helps ensure your body moves in safe, efficient ways, which is important during tasks like lifting heavy objects or moving furniture. Challenge yourself with a Pilates workout that only requires a mat.
The 7-Minute Workout — If your time is limited, you might find the 7-Minute Workout convenient and beneficial. This app-based program consists of 12 basic exercises, like jumping jacks, pushups and planks, each performed for 30 seconds and with a 10-second rest period between them. Considered high-intensity interval training (HIIT), the workout is quick and straightforward, and users say it works.
The Outdoor Workout — If you have access to a small grassy area and the weather’s nice, you can do metabolic training exercises. This fitness routine improves strength, endurance and mobility and gives your metabolism a boost. With variations of familiar moves like squats and burpees, the circuit is easy to follow and can be done in 30 minutes or less. If you’re looking for a fat-burning workout you can tackle outside with minimal equipment, this one’s for you.
When I ask clients what self-care provides the most pain relief for their symptoms, the answer is usually “yoga”… and then a “oh, I should do more yoga”. Stretching and bringing awareness to your breath doesn’t need to take up much time … try it now.