Most of us understand that to get where we want to go, we need transportation to get there. A vehicle of sorts, whether that be car, bus, bike, subway etc. The same concept holds true for our health and fitness program. Some of us have a gym membership, while others prefer to walk, run, bike outdoors. However, as we all know there are late nights, running late mornings, and bad weather issues that can sometimes prevent us from using our preferred mode to get our workouts in. I'm constantly telling my clients that regardless if you prefer to workout outside or if you belong to a gym, there are going to be times where we just can't get a workout in. One of the most important Fitness Must Haves is to invest in a few key pieces for your home to create a Back-Up Plan! Despite budget or space issues, there are a wide range of options to meet your needs! The bottom line is, having a solid back-up-plan will help keep you moving and on track for your fitness goals! Here are few ways to create for yourself a back-up plan to ensure you always have a way to get a workout in!
Basic Cardio:
There are TONS of options for the home user to create a cardio workout. For the budget conscious there are numerous workout DVD's you can purchase or most satellite and cable providers have a fitness channel in their basic line-up of programs. Do some checking to see if yours' does and then check out the options. If watching the TV doesn't get it done for you, invest in an indoor, "spinning" type bike or rowing machine. Both tend to take up minimal space and can provide you with an awesome way to get some cardio in! Be prepared to spend around $1000 for these. If you prefer to spend a little more dough, there are tons of treadmill and elliptical options out there! Quality that will last starts at about the $1800 range, and there are tons of options to suit your needs. Visit a speciality fitness store, where you will get quality advice and support. BEWARE: Don't buy cheap! It is better to be a different type of piece, than to buy a cheap version of an expensive product! You want your Back-up plan to be RELIABLE...that is the whole point!
Resistance Training:
Again you can do this on a budget. For about $5-10 you can get resistance bands at various tensions. Even for the hard core lifters, resistance bands can be effective if done correctly. Add a door anchor for about $5, and you can essentially turn any door into a resistance training work station! Another option for about $200, is the TRX suspension system. The system uses a nylon strapping system to turn your body into a functional training station! You can get an amazing workout using your own body weight and need about 8ft. of space and a door, ceiling or other sturdy place to attach the anchor. If you want the feel of weights in your hands, for about $400 you can get a pair of Power Blocks! This unique concept offers 24 pairs of dumbbells in a one piece set! They are durable, easy to use and give you a ton of options! For an even cooler route, try the Kettleblock. With the same concept as the Power Blocks, instead of having all those kettlebells lying around, you have just a one handled block with the ability to select the weight you want with the push of a pin!
Circuit Training:
Utilizing any of the resistance training devices you may have, mixing in body weight work such body squats and as all types of push-ups, you can create a circuit type workout! Circuits offer a one-stop shopping type workout whereby moving from one exercise to the next, with minimal rest, you can create a cardio type workout while also getting in your resistance training! It is the biggest bang for your buck and for a minimal investment, you can have a solid back-up plan which effectively gets it all in! There are just tons of options for circuit type training and often the workouts can be fun and using intervals, you can be done in about 30 minutes!
Training while Traveling:
Training on the road can be a big challenge. Make sure to plan ahead, so you have a game plan in place.
Check the hotel to see if they have a workout out room, ask what types of equipment they have have, how many pieces they have and the hours of the facility. If this will work with your schedule, you're set. Even if they have a room, ask if they have a pool, and depending on the time of year, if it is indoor, outdoor and heated. I always travel with my swim bag as a back-up, back-up plan for hotel stays. There is nothing worse than counting on the hotel workout room, only to find out the bike or treadmill is broken or so unstable it isn't worth the risk! Some people like to run/walk in a new place and this can be fun and challenging, but remember it's not a fail safe plan, so have a back-up plan for this too! If all else fails, bring along your resistance bands and door anchor. They take up little space in your suit case and are an awesome way to get a workout in. Mix in some body weight squats, lunges and push-ups, create a circuit and you are good to go! Don't let travel and a lack of planning prevent you from staying healthy while on the road!
