FORUMS > General Fitness Discussion Forum Rules

So. I've just landed a great new job.. but it's going to see me spending a lot of time travelling and in hotel rooms.
The places I stay have gyms, but they're crappy 'utilitarian' ones with heaps of cardio equipment and some token 'multi use' machines.

I'm seriously short - those machines never work for me - so I'd rather do body weight exercises then get frustrated with a half-arsed workout on the equipment.

When I'm at home I use free weights pretty much exclusively and do a routine that goes:

Monday: HIIT
Tues: Back/Chest
Wed: Legs
Thurs: Arms
Friday: HIIT
Sat: Full body

So. I'm interested in people's best suggestions for 'stuff you can do' in your hotel room or nearby park, and the kind of split and routines to do?

And - do people think I can get enough of that for a week or two here and there when I'm away.. or would I be better off investing in a casual membership to a proper gym when I'm on the road?

The only workout I manage to do during my travelling is running. I always make sure I have my jogging shoes with me. I mostly stay in cheap ,backpacking hotel , so no gym there. However , while backpacking I usually walk a lot , so I burn my calories that way.

Just to share , I have run in Lumpini Park Bangkok, Thailand, along historical Singapore River, Ho Chi Min , Vietnam and other interesting places.

If you travel within the developed world (or just in Oz) then I would recommend getting a membership that would have gyms throughout your area of travel.

If you are like me and travel to the undeveloped and developing world.... I haven't been able to find anything during the last four years, except keeping up on my cardio.

have you looked into exercises using your own body for resistance?

Timberoo saidhave you looked into exercises using your own body for resistance?

Not without a mat and limited space. I mean, I have gotten away with the following: push-ups, sit-ups, dips, and some limited squats/deadlifts. Other than that, I've got nothing.

DCEric said

Timberoo saidhave you looked into exercises using your own body for resistance?

Not without a mat and limited space. I mean, I have gotten away with the following: push-ups, sit-ups, dips, and some limited squats/deadlifts. Other than that, I've got nothing.

it's working for you

* Although they look silly, fitness bands are pretty portable and can be effective while you are traveling. I would recommend getting them with a door attachment. There are pretty good workouts documented on the net for fitness bands.

* Also, incorporating mat workouts to your routine can help. Whether it is yoga, pilates or some other regime, you will only be doing yourself a favor.

for body weight I tend to do whole body. I did a routine like this for a while

warm up

Each “set” done on a 4 minute interval: total time 36 minutes

Pulls ups (5, holding top position of the last one for 4 counts)
Pistols (5 each leg)
Dips (5)
Repeat 3 times (3 sets of 4 mins)

Bulgarian spilt squat (10 each leg)
wide push ups (10)
repeat 3 times (ditto)

chin up (5, holding top position of the last one for 4 counts)
narrow push ups (10)
jumping squats (toads) (10)
Repeat 3 times (ditto)

36 minutes, plus 5 minutes stretching

if you are super strong, increase the number of reps, but don´t go over 2 minutes total, ie allow yourself 2 mins recovery each time.

Don´t need to do separate cardio with this


This can be done in a playground, hotel gym (as long as there is a dip station and pull up bar) or LA fitness (if you don´t mind people staring at you)

Pulls ups... in a hotel room?

DCEric saidPulls ups... in a hotel room?

Park or small hotel gym.

When I travel I always find out where the nearest gym is.. forget the Marriott fitness rooms. I also ask for a complimentary pass.

It was great and always use the local gyms when I'm in West Palm Beach, FL.. but its always a fun (well generally) when I'm in a strange city.

first see if the gym you go to has any clubs you can get into while traveling.
I belong to a national chain and can go to anyone just walk in.
Also, many hotels have partnered with larger clubs and will even drive you and pick you up.
Don't let the travel sacrifice the work you've put in.
And, getting out to a gym is much better than sitting in a dank hotel room.

I just love a person who uses the word "whilst."

Anyway.... if i can't get to the gym, I try to get in 50 push ups and 50 crunches at the very least on a daily basis if it's a short trip. Lovnger one? I might take some stretch bands and use them just to give me some resistance and do more exercises.

If you prefer to work out a health club, ask your gym if they are a member of the IHRSA. It is an international organization of health, racket, and sports clubs. You can get discounted guest fees, short term memberships, or even free access to other member gyms around the country. Use the link below to use their Find a Club feature. I've used this many times in my travels.

http://cms.ihrsa.org/

And don't forget to ask the hotel if they have a relationship with a local gym. Many times you can get in for free just by showing your hotel room key.

Lastly, if you will be travelling to the same cities, check out some of the national gyms (24 Hour Fitness, Gold's, World, MySportsClubs, etc.) that may be in the area. My membership to 24 Hour gets me into any of their clubs around the country - and they are member of the IHRSA, so I can find a member gym to maintain my work out routine.

Happy travels!

Thanks for these suggestions guys.. (specially your suggested split Lostboy) plenty I can utilise in there..