Tips Tuesday
Well I’m leaving San Jose and heading back to Los Angeles after an extended holiday vacation. I’m excited for a fun January packed full of trips and training. If you’re away from home a lot like me, here are my
5 tips for training on the road
-Mobilize properly and often
Sometimes all you can do when you’re away from the gym is try to undo some of the damage from waiting in airports or sitting in cars for long periods of time. For me, keeping mobility as the focus on travel days I relieve the stress of trying to cram in a workout and instead work on finding better positions and posture.
-Use what you have around you (such as cool new equipment or an interesting facility)
If you’re visiting a new gym that houses something you don’t usually get to train with ask about giving it a try. Most gym owners are excited about what they have to offer and would be more than willing to show you or let you explore on your own.
-Keep it simple. Especially if you’re limited by time, surroundings or equipment
Bodyweight moves are always excellent. Tabata intervals can do damage in a short period of time, and they’re everyone’s favorite! With limited equipment, you can just get creative with what you have around you. Running, push-ups, tuck jumps, handstands, squats. No sandbags? Take turns with a friend doing partner carries for distance. No boxes to jump on? Find something suitable to jump over (or ask that superfriend to assume the position of a rock). Done.
-Have a plan
Walking into your travel-made workout with no clue as to what you want to do will lead to wasted time. Decide what you want to accomplish before heading out to train. I’ll consider things like which muscle groups need more love, any specific exercises that sound particularly enticing, or what the overall stimulus is that I’m going for: Smiles and happy fun time? Tears of agony and frustration? Or something in between?
-Utilize what little time you may have
Packed schedule with no real time to train? Stick to just skills. Position work, proper mechanics, or supplemental exercise practice. How are your freestanding handstands these days? How long can you hold a perfect V-sit without it crumbling into a different letter?
Break down the fundamental movements and perfect your positions in each. Virtual lifting with a dowel if you have one, or just your imagination if you don’t. Be that sneaky person who gets better by practicing…sneaky-sneaky.
