Maintaining healthy habits is just as important as the business priorities behind the decisions for business travel. Regardless if you’re traveling for business or at home, the best exercise tips say that it’s important to find time to squeeze in at least 20 minutes of exercise three times a week, explains Lisa Hamlin, director of international and media relations for the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), Sherman Oaks, CA.

Hamlin says that business travelers should ensure that their exercise program is well-balanced and includes cardio-respiratory, muscular strength and endurance and flexibility training. The best way is for business travelers to make sure they use the hotel fitness centers. In addition, Hamlin suggests the following fitness tips:

  1. 20-minute walk or jog around the vicinity of the hotel.
  2. Pack a pair of light dumbbells in your suit case for a 20-minute upper, mid and lower body workout.
  3. Pack an exercise tube or band for a 20-minute resistance training workout focusing on the major muscles.
  4. Pack your swim suit in the event the hotel has a swimming pool.
  5. Ask the hotel receptionist if there is a local fitness center nearby.
  6. Rise, shine and rejuvenate with a 10-minute Yoga workout when you wake up and complete your day with another 10-minute Yoga workout before you go to bed.
  7. Stretch and tone your muscles with traditional floor exercises.
  8. Bring your favorite exercise DVD. Some hotels have DVD players.
  9. Check out the local TV channels for exercise workouts.

Photo: Marriott Marquis Fitness Center, Atlanta, GA (courtesy).

Originally Published September 18, 2009