As I compose this entry, I am on an elliptical at my hotel fitness center. Today marks my 16th day away from home within the last 3 weeks, and third location. It is not normal for me to travel this much EVER, but my work life is normally spent in a car traveling to client’s homes at different times anyway. Needless to say, the majority of my training is not consistent in terms of times nor frequency much of the time albeit training clients or the most current, being out of town.
If this had been a few years ago, I would be having an anxiety attack about not having my “normal” training schedule, normal gym, normal food, etc. Over time, however, I have found different methods of working with my circumstances and surroundings to keep fit not only aesthetically but in terms of performance. Granted, nothing can replace having a specific schedule and regular location, home prepared food and no time changes, to name a few, BUT the longer you have been training and eating healthy 90% of the time (must allow 10% for treats to stay balanced) the easier it will be to afford slight deviations and compromise.
The reality is that many people travel the way I have been this month, all year long! I tip my hat to those who keep up with their training and healthy eating because it is hard both mentally and physically, no doubt about that. What’s more, most people have very busy schedules, kids and jobs that do not make gym or exercise time easy.
Acceptance of life restrictions is only half the protocol. It is easy to say “I have no time, my job makes it near impossible to workout,” but the fact is either you do it or you don’t. More than likely you will not ever have it “easy” and “accommodating.” Heck, not even I, where staying fit is my sport AND job, have it easy. So what next? You FIND a way. You MAKE it happen. If it means waking up even earlier than 5 am so you can still have family dinners, training during your lunch hour or training later in the evening, that simply might be your only option.
Look at athletes in high school and college. The majority are balancing school, sports and a social life. I am sure many adults out there had to juggle several activities as kids and teens. If not, it is a critical life skill to balance activities and responsibilities, not to mention health and longevity. Have kids? Give them a good example to follow as they embark on new and varying goals and activities in life.
Today, I knew the only way I could train would be to get up earlier in the day (6 am, not bad) because I have a busy day ahead visiting family. Let me also mention, my family is Italian and we will be going out to eat (and I don’t mean for basic salads). I am used to double workout days, doing cardio in the morning and weights in the evening. To give you an example of how I am coping with that in one workout, I am doing 30 minutes of cardio, then about 20 minutes of weight training with whatever is available here (dumbbells, medicine ball) and finish off my last 30 minutes of cardio, all on an empty stomach. There is not enough time to eat and digest first. Because I am not training (lifting) as much as I normally would at home, I am simply limiting the amount of carbohydrates I am consuming. When we go out to eat, which is the majority of the meals, I simply order a big salad, with dressing on the side, with added lean protein of some sort, or a lean protein entree with vegetables, even if I have to substitute. Restaurants will almost always accommodate, you just have to ask. If there is dessert, I have a little taste and share the rest. This way, I am still engaging with my family while not totally sabotaging my eating habits. Some nights before bed, I have done jumping jacks, push-ups and an exercises if I couldn’t make it to the fitness center.
My point of sharing is that life is about compromise, and fitness and nutrition is no exception. For most of us, success in being fit and healthy is all about troubleshooting — working with what is available to you and having back up plans to keep you on track.
Additionally, the more strict you are with your diet and training at home, the less deviation your body will be able to handle and more likely you will be to gain weight.
Be balanced! I have TASTES of desserts and “bad” food all the time!! A “sliver” of something won’t ruin your efforts, but if you know you haven’t the will power to walk away, stay away until you feel you can handle it without feeling bad about yourself.
As a final side note, I have actually lost a little weight, imagine that!
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