Workouts for Travel

One of the biggest learning curves for me when I started working out was understanding how to workout when we travel. Since we travel a TON, this was quite the Achilles heal. But, I have realized that most hotel rooms give enough space for basic exercises and free wifi means free workout videos!

Bringing workout equipment or visiting a hotel gym are two fitness ice breakers I am a bit ashamed to say I have not accomplished. Sure, I will bring my tennies when there are definite plans for a run, but otherwise, I opt for a cute pair of heals over sneakers. That is why all of these workouts in our travel rundown can be done without equipment or shoes. See self, working out while traveling can be easy!

The Hotel Room Workout

Let's start with a workout that was, literally, made for hotel rooms.  

Duration

The entire workout should take about 15-minutes.  

Works

The workout is great for the core and legs. There are plenty of planks in this exercises and nothing takes lots of movement or space. There are six exercises, ranging in time from 30 seconds to two minutes. Only one circuit is needed to burn 100+ calories!

Workout to Reduce Bloating

There are two parts of a tropical vacation that I hate 1) leaving 2) having that post-airplane bloat. This workout cannot solve problem one, but thank goodness, it pulverizes problem two! 

Duration

20-minutes that can count as a cardio workout but will not take up the usual cardio workout space.  

Works

This workout gets to the core with some nice twists and jumps.  

Commercial Break Workout

Since this workout is for commercials, it does not take up much space and can either be completed while watching commercials or all together in a circuit. The Elevated Push-Ups can be done on a chair, or even by dangling those tootsies off your bed.

Duration

This workout was made to be completed during the commercials of one, 30-minute show. If you are watching something a bit longer, you can always double-up for a bit more of a burn. The workout will take 16-minutes if done as a complete workout without commercial breaks. 

Works

There are four circuits, each working a different area for a full body workout. It will really get legs, arms, and the lower abs.  

Plank Workout

Planks are one of my favorite exercises while traveling. They can be done about a million different ways and work the entire body. These guys also only take up as much space as we do, horizontally.  

Duration

Depending on how long you hold each pose, the entire plank-tastic workout should take about 15-minutes.

Works

This will works the arms and core like madness. The down dog stretches between each exercise will strengthen the back while stretching the legs.  

Arms Like Michelle Obama

Get ready to wear those strapless dresses and adorable tanks to your hearts desire! A few rounds of these and your arms will have no jiggle left.  

Duration

The entire workout will take about 25-minutes. If you want to increase the burn, hold each pose for ten seconds longer. To reduce the exercise time, hold each pose for five seconds less than directed. 

Works

Your arms. All of them. Everywhere.

Get Michelle Obama's Arms

My Snapguide shirt!! Yep, the people over at Snapguide sent me this because they are awesome! Click the picture to link over to my Snapguide account!

Let's face it, no matter what your political view, most women would kill for the First Lady's arms. Seriously, her fashion and those guns could make peace treaties alone. This equipment-free arm routine will not only help reduce that unneeded arm jiggle, but can also get you that much closer to having Michelle Obama's arms. Most equipment free arm exercises work the back as much as they do the arms. These exercises will help with posture and increase lean muscle toning- something Michelle Obama's arm's look quite familiar with.

Complete this exercise at least once after your regular workout, or do three sets as a workout replacement for some great results!

Arm Circle and Warm Up

Arm circles are a great way to get your arms warmed, a little stretched, and ready to work. Best of all, they can be done pretty much anywhere! Start by doing wide circles going forward then back; then, complete smaller circles starting with forward and going to back. Work on doing two sets of 20 and increase the reps as needed.

For some work-out inspiration, check-out Michelle Obama's arms, highlighted by that gorgeous Jason Wu red dress, at the inauguration.

Sphinx Push-Ups

These are great for the forearms and shoulders! Get into regular push-up position, then place forearms on the ground with palms down and fingers straight ahead. Lift your body into a plank position and hold before lowering about 2 inches from the ground, hold, then rise back up. You can start by doing between 10 and 15 reps and increase from there.

Chair-Ups

One of those that is great for the back arm jiggle and the back. Place your hands forward on the edge of a chair with your elbows bent back and your body straight out. Bend your arms so that your butt is almost touching the ground and come back up. Complete two sets of 30 increasing reps as needed.

Second Position Ballet Pose

This will work your shoulders, back, and arms like they have never been worked before. Seriously, look at a ballet dancer's arms, then you will realize why this is an arm workout commodity. Hold arms in second position for two sets of 1 minute. Be sure to keep shoulders down and elbows up the entire time. There should be no slouching here. Your chest should be broad and arms should have a slight curve but still be in line with the rest of the body. Bum should be tucked in as well. This is a great exercise to do for better posture.

Plank Position

Plank is wonderful for the arms, back, and the core! Place hands on the ground below the shoulders with fingers facing forward and toes on the ground. It is important to keep your back as straight as possible in this position and to tuck the tailbone under. Hold the plank for at least one minute and complete three sets.

Push-Ups

The classic that is still doing the trick. Complete two sets doing at least 10 to 12 reps. If doing this many is too much, place your knees on the ground and complete... Best to add a few extra reps for the cheating style as well ;)

Triangle push-Ups

Great for the outer and under-arms. Place hands on the ground so your pointer fingers and thumbs create a diamond shape. Complete 2 sets of 10 to 12 reps of push-ups in this position and feel the burn!

Arm Circles

Sphinx Push-Ups

Starting position

Sphinx Push-Ups

Up postition

Chair Ups

Second Position

Plank

Classic Push-Ups

Triangle Push-Ups