Workout On The Road

Posted Oct 1, 2006 by Patty Kim

Updated Oct 1, 2006 at 11:38 PM

This weekend, I was in beautiful Fort Lauderdale for the 2006 National Writers’ Workshop. I left Friday and returned Sunday refreshed and armed with tips to make my stories shine.

The conference was at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, which has a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment.

Despite being out of town, I didn’t want to take a vacation from my workout regimen.

Sessions ended at 5 p.m. Saturday, and I hit the workout room before heading out to dinner with friends at 7:30.

I got in a quick, 30-minute run on a treadmill and then hit a weight-training circuit. There was no guilt as I enjoyed my Mediterranean salmon dinner later. Mmmm.

Fitness on the road doesn’t have to be elusive. Most hotels have workout rooms equipped with cardio machines such as treadmills, ellipticals and stationary bikes. A pool is a great place to log a few laps and enjoy the scenery. Don’t forget to unwind in the hot tub.

Even if your hotel doesn’t have a gym, check to see whether they have special partnerships with local gyms in the area.

No worries if you don’t have access to a fitness center. Get out of the hotel and take a walk, especially if restaurants and shops are nearby. Explore the neighborhood.

Check to see if your hotel offers bike rentals. A ride can offer the perfect tour of the area.

If you’re staying on the eighth floor, don’t be afraid to take the stairs. That’s a great way to get your heart pumping with no equipment necessary.

If you’re really ambitious, don’t forget to pack bands, exercise balls, jumpropes or light weights to get a workout in the comfort of your own room. And if you just want to get back to the basics, try jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups and lunges.

If you’re flying, don’t let layovers get the best of you. Make the most of your time.

Check out the Airport Gyms site. Here you can find which airports include fitness centers, as well as gyms near airports that offer special day passes for travelers.

If you’re on the road and want to log a great run, visit the Road Runners Club of America. You can find running clubs across the country with links to their calendars and contact information. Not a bad way to make friends on the road.

If you’d rather be riding, check out the USA Cycling site.

Bottom line: There’s no excuse not to stay active away from home. Just do it!