Summer is in full-effect, so you know what that means, it's time to pack the bags and go on an adventure!
I just got back from spending 4 days in the Grand Canyon hiking into the gorgeous Havasupai Indian Reservation, where I saw some of the most beautiful waterfalls I'd ever seen. The contrast of colors of the red rock canyons and the turquoise blue water was spectacular! The picture below doesn't do it justice.
I recently posted to social media (See here) why it's so important to lift weights and workout so that you have the ability and strength to do adventures like this, but I won't get into that today. But I recommend you go read it and follow me for more tips if you're not already doing so already!
On a backpacking trip like this you have to carry in all your own supplies such as food, tent, toilet paper, etc, so it really forces you to focus on the essentials.
But if you're headed out on your own summer adventure where you don't need to worry about carrying a tent, I thought I'd send out a quick breakdown of some of the essential items you should take so you can stay on track with your health and fitness goals.
Let's start from the beginning, what do you need for the plane to make sure you arrive at your destination as well rested as possible:
- Noise cancelling headphones to help you block out that screaming baby in seat 26F. Be sure to download a good audiobook (check out my list of recommended books) or some calming music to have available.
- Sleep mask so you don't get woken up when the flight attendants turn on the lights to serve drinks (hate it when this happens!)
- Inflatable Pillow. These are normally used for camping, but I love these pillows for the plane. You can use it behind your back to give some lumbar support or as a pillow for your head leaning against the window. I still haven't found a decent neck pillow that works, so if anyone has a recommendation, let me know!
- Water bottle. Traveling, especially on a plane, dehydrates the body so much, so having your own supply of water is crucial. Those little cups of water the flight attendants give you are not enough!
- Electrolytes. Drinking water is important, but it's also important to make sure you're getting in some electrolytes with that water.
- Snacks. Don't forget the snacks! The food they serve on the plane is barely edible, so be sure to have your own options available. Things like Beef Jerky (not ones loaded with sugar), nuts, hard boiled eggs, apple with cheese, etc are great options.
- Mobility Ball. I like to carry a small mobility ball on the plane with me as well. If you have a layover somewhere, this is a great opportunity to use that ball to get out any little kinks and knots in your muscles after sitting on the plane for so long.
Alright, that's a good start to get you to your destination feeling reasonably well and ready to have some fun!
If you've traveled a long-distance, then getting in a workout as soon as possible after you arrive will help immensely with the jet-lag. And if you're like me, you probably have a jam-packed schedule of activities while traveling, so getting in a quick workout can sometimes be difficult. Therefore, you want to make it as easy as possible so you can get the workout done and then get on to your activities.
- Resistance bands. You can do so much with these and they don't take up much space in your bag. Let me know and I can put together a full workout for you!
- TRX Straps. These take up a little more space than the resistance bands, but provide even more versatility and options for exercises. All you need is a doorway, tree, bar to anchor them down.
- Travel Foam Roller. You can probably get away with using the mobility ball you had on the plane, but if you want something a little more to help with those sore muscles after a long day hiking, then this travel foam roller is a great option. Folds flat and easily expands.
- Power Dot. If the mobility ball or foam roller isn't enough and you're still having some muscles aches/pains, then the Power Dot EMS system is perfect. It's super small and provides electro-stimulation to your muscles to aid in recovery.
- Trail Butter. This is one of my go-to snacks while traveling. It's small, but is loaded with good fats, protein, and a little caffeine, which who doesn't like a little caffeine to keep them going!
- Shoes. Duh! If you don't take anything else, you can always get in a good workout simply with a pair of shoes. Go for a run, do some box jumps on a bench, run up a flight of stairs! My go-to shoes are made by Altra because they have an extra-wide toe box to help the toes spread out as they should naturally.
Everyone loves to travel and go on an adventure, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the progress you've made with your health and fitness. So stock up on a few of these essentials that will help you stay fueled, recovered, and ready to rock!
Need a workout routine to follow on your upcoming adventure? Don't hesitate to contact me and I'll get you setup for success!
Safe and fun travels!