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How to Stay Healthy When Traveling

mindset Aug 08, 2024
How to Stay Healthy When Travelling | Joseph Arangio

Meet Alex, a seasoned business executive in his mid-50s who frequently travels across the country for meetings, conferences, and client visits.

With an intense schedule that keeps him on the move every other week, staying in shape is a constant challenge; however, Alex has learned the art of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while on the road.

Alex's journey begins on a sunny Monday morning as he boards a flight to a bustling metropolis. As he settles into his seat, he pulls out his trusty water bottle and starts hydrating before takeoff. During the flight, he sips water at regular intervals, steering clear of the sugary sodas and caffeinated beverages offered on the plane. By the time he lands, he's already halfway to his daily hydration goal.

Upon arrival, Alex wastes no time. He checks into his hotel, changes into his workout gear, and heads straight to the hotel gym. A quick but intense fat-loss workout, focusing on lower-intensity exercises, leaves him feeling energized and revitalized. The gym may not be as well-equipped as his local fitness center, but it has enough for him to get a good sweat going.

After his workout, he decides to explore the city on foot. With his fitness tracker clipped to his belt, he aims to get in as many steps as possible, enjoying the fresh air and basking in the sun's warm glow. The time zone change can be brutal, but being active outdoors helps reset his internal clock and combat jet lag.

The next day, Alex has a crucial meeting scheduled. He knows that getting a good night's sleep is essential for peak performance. So, he makes sure to avoid heavy meals and alcohol before bedtime, opting for a light dinner instead. After a phone call with his wife, he practices a quick ten-minute deep-breathing session to relax his mind and prepare for a restful night's sleep.

As the week progresses, Alex's discipline pays off. Despite the demands of his work schedule, he sticks to his routine: hydrating, exercising, and getting enough sleep. He cleverly modifies his workouts when necessary, especially during trips to high-altitude cities, ensuring his body adjusts smoothly to the new conditions.

Unfortunately, despite the numerous benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while traveling, many travelers do the exact opposite.

Frequent flyers often neglect their wellbeing in the pursuit of convenience and indulgence. They succumb to the allure of sugary drinks and snacks during flights, leading to dehydration and fatigue.

Instead of seeking exercise opportunities, they may prefer to remain sedentary, avoiding the effort required to stay active in an unfamiliar city.

Late-night business dinners with heavy meals and alcohol become the norm, leaving little room for restorative sleep.

In the whirlwind of travel, self-care takes a back seat, and the consequences of this neglect are evident in the form of jet lag, diminished productivity, and increased susceptibility to illness.

It's crucial for travelers to understand that investing in your health while you are on the road is mandatory, especially if you are over the age of 40 and want to slow aging.

How to Stay Healthy While Traveling

Traveling can be an incredible experience, but it often comes with challenges that can take a toll on your health and wellbeing.

Among these challenges, getting a good night's sleep after a long flight can be particularly difficult, especially if you cross time zones.

In this lesson, you'll learn actionable tips to stay healthy and energized while on the move.

So, whether you're a jet-setting business traveler or an adventurous globetrotter, follow this plan to ensure your health and fitness remain on track throughout your journey.

1. Hydration is key

One of the most important aspects of staying healthy while traveling is maintaining proper hydration. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and a weakened immune system, which is the last thing you want during your trip.

Before, during, and after your flight, make a conscious effort to drink plenty of water. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, as they can contribute to dehydration.

Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it regularly to ensure you stay well-hydrated throughout your journey.

2. Exercise upon landing

As soon as you reach your destination, get moving. Engage in light to moderate exercise to kickstart your metabolism and help your body adjust to the new time zone. If you arrive during the day, take advantage of the natural light, fresh air, and sunshine, if possible.

Going for a brisk walk or jog will not only get your blood flowing but also help reset your internal clock. Additionally, aim to include strength training in your exercise routine, but focus on lower intensity exercises for the first day to avoid unnecessary strain on your body.

3. Modify your workout routine

If you had a specific workout planned on the day of your travel or arrival, it's essential to be flexible and modify it based on your energy levels and the time of your arrival. For instance, if your legs are feeling fatigued from the flight, opt for exercises like leg extensions, leg curls, hip thrusts, and single-leg movements.

Save heavier compound exercises like squats for later in your trip when you've fully recovered from the travel stress. For upper body workouts, you can generally follow your regular routine, as they are less affected by jet lag.

4. Adjust to higher altitudes

If your journey takes you to a location at a higher altitude, such as Denver, Colorado, it's essential to consider the effects of reduced oxygen levels on your body.

When training at higher altitudes, it's advisable to extend your rest periods and lower your rep ranges slightly. This allows your body to adapt to the new conditions and reduces the risk of overexertion.

Gradually increase the intensity of your workouts over the course of a few days to avoid altitude sickness and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Remember, the journey is part of the destination, and staying healthy allows you to fully embrace the experience, no matter where your adventures take you.

Summary:

Traveling can be a fantastic adventure, but maintaining good health and energy levels while on the go is crucial to make the most of your journey. By following this actionable plan, you can stay hydrated, exercise effectively, and modify your workouts to minimize the impact of travel on your body. Whether you're jetting off for business or pleasure, remember that staying healthy is the key to making your trip a success. So, implement these tips, take care of yourself, and enjoy every moment of your travel with a sound body and a rejuvenated mind.

To your success,

Coach Joe

 


 

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women lose weight, gain strength, and slow aging. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to increase longevity with the best online age-management program, or you want to visit the best age-management program in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.

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