Why preparation is key to staying fit and productive

Preparation is the key to a successful business trip and meeting with clients. Yet preparation for our down time tends to be last thing we think of.

Maintaining a fitness routine when you’re travelling for business doesn’t have to be complicated.  It just requires a little planning and preparation ahead of departure.

Firstly, get clear on exactly what it is you’re trying to achieve. You know the purpose for your business trip, the outcomes you expect and you’ve set up meetings with the relevant people in order to achieve them. Well you need to manage your business travel exercise schedule in exactly the same way. Get specific on what you’re trying to accomplish and then put the systems in place to ensure you’re successful.

If your aim is to stick as close as possible to your normal workout schedule be sure to check the facilities are available to support that. If there is no fitness centre in your hotel or you know that you will be time business man with resistance bands iStock_000018449494_Smallpressed pack some lightweight equipment to use in your room. This could include a skipping rope, resistance band or even an exercise DVD to play off your laptop.

If like me you love running, research some routes or contact the local running club to see if you can join them on a training run. If swimming’s your thing but your hotel has no swimming pool are there any leisure centres nearby you could visit. You can also make use of any spare time before or between flights by visiting the amazing fitness resources available at many international airports.

Basically if want to enjoy the benefits of exercising whilst travelling for business you need to get organized! You wouldn’t go on a business trip without being certain of your flight connections, meeting schedule and subject matter so don’t plan to exercise without any clear idea of the facilities available, equipment required or packing the right clothing. Do you need running shoes, workout clothes or even a swimsuit? If you like working out to music make sure to download your favourite play list to your phone and pack some headphones too.

Woman running in cityTake a close look at your work schedule for the duration of the business trip and block out specific times for exercise. I’ve said it before and it’s so true, if you schedule your exercise sessions into your diary as you do with all other important appointments you’re much less likely to skip them.

So in order to stay fit, energized and productive whilst travelling for business planning and preparation is key. Be clear on what you want to achieve and then ensure you have access to the facilities and tools to succeed. By focusing on your fitness alongside your business you’ll beat jet lag quicker and keep your energy levels up. Your productivity will remain as good as if you were working out of your normal office.

 ©  2015 Extravitality at www.extravitality.co

Author: Julie Dennis
Julie Dennis is a fitness coach specializing in weight loss and body transformation results. She is a level 4 skilled personal trainer and a qualified member of the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs). Julie also holds a UK Athletics Leadership in Running Fitness qualification. Prior to training as a fitness coach and establishing herself in the health & fitness industry, Julie spent over 20 years behind a desk in London employed in a variety of roles in the management consultancy, executive search and mining industries. Whilst working as part of a global team at Rio Tinto Julie experienced first hand the challenges of incorporating fitness and wellbeing into an international travel schedule. A keen marathon runner she often found running whilst on a long a haul trip an ideal reliever for jet lag.

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