The Fool Proof Guide to the Hotel Workout

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For those of you who have to travel frequently for work, you know how quickly your workout regime goes out the window. It’s hard to make it work. Like Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield- levels hard. (Still holding out hope though!) Thankfully, it is possible to come up with a workout routine that requires nothing but some floor space and a towel.

I'm convinced that doing yoga twice a day will give you superpowers!

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Room service no more 

It took a five-day trip to Colorado to realize I needed to make more of an effort. On the final day of my trip, feeling like an old, out-of-shape businessman. I rolled out of bed and took an hour long shower. As I stepped out, in front of me was the biggest full-length bathroom mirror ever, unfamiliar and unflattering reflection in full glory, somehow highlighting features that I didn’t know existed. (Why are hotel room mirrors always so extra?) I immediately ran out of the bathroom, laid down my towel, and started doing sit-ups. (Pro tip: don’t do this naked.)

 

That was when it dawned on me that working out needs to be accessible and sustainable, regardless of where I am. Not only for the sake of my body, but also for my energy levels. We underestimate how exhausting navigating a new routine can be, but the smallest things can make a difference, like booking your hotel room on a floor where you can take the stairs instead. I like booking mine on the 8th floor. I’m Chinese, so 8 is a lucky number; 8 flights are also manageable for me to do daily.

Let’s get moving

I recommend doing this sequence first thing in the morning. And all you need is a towel, so no excuses!

  1. Do 50-100 bicycle crunches to warm up. This works your rectus abdomius (aka your abs) while the twisting motion stimulates digestion.
  2. Flip over and hold plank for a minute. Make sure your hands are directly under your shoulders, and hands are shoulder width. Suck belly to spin to engage core.
  3. Right knee to nose hold for 5 seconds.
  4. Right knee to left triceps hold for 5 seconds.
  5. Right knee to right triceps hold for 5 seconds.
  6. Right knee to nose hold for 5 seconds.
  7. Hold plank for 30 seconds.
  8. Come into child’s pose to rest for 10 seconds.

Then repeat for your left side. If you have it in you, do each side 5 times in total.

 

We can indeed have the best of both worlds when we try. It really doesn’t take much. Cheers to staying fit while traveling!

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