Exercising on the Road: How do you pack your workout gear?
Travel Tips — By Chris on March 31, 2010 at 10:00 am
I’m a few days into a new running regimen, and it feels great. I joined my old Philly gym, I have great shoes and a motivated friend who actually calls me in the morning to get me out of bed. Maybe this time, my good intentions will stick (after running a half marathon in 2006, I’ve never been able to recapture that discipline).
Problem is, I head to Seattle tomorrow for a four-day trip. I would rather travel light and only bring enough clothes to fit in my carry on bag. So how do I fit my workout gear in a limited space?
I’ve heard this problem crop up time and again with friends. You want to stick to your exercise regimen on the road, particularly if you travel often. But there’s no denying that it can be hassle to fit running shoes and exercise clothes into an already full suitcase. And then there’s a more delicate issue: If you do bring your exercise gear, how do you stow it so it doesn’t contaminate your fresher smelling clothing?
Most of the time, I just don’t bother – and then my good intentions melt in the face of lengthy dinners, packed sight seeing schedules and drinks at the hotel bar.
This time, things may be different. For one, I’m putting my running shoes in the suitcase first, in their own plastic to keep them separate from the other clothes. Just having them in the suitcase makes it clear that exercising will be a priority on the trip. Another plastic bag holds my gym clothes; in the past, I’ve occasionally used the hotel laundry’s service to get them clean before I leave. And finally, I’m hoping that Seattle’s gorgeous scenery (and fit residents, or so I’m heard) will inspire me to hit the pavement instead of the microbrew.
Still, this gear is taking up a fair amount of space. That’s why I can see the appeal of programs now available at some upscale hotels such as Fairmont and Hyatt that keep workout clothes, yoga mats and running shoes on hand for travelers who need them. I’ve never used this service and would love to hear from anyone who has.
And if anyone has some good ideas for packing exercise gear into a carryon bag, let me know!
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7 Comments
i wouldn’t probably bother about exercising while on the road as when i travel to new places, even towns, i end it up not using the public transports instead exploring the place around on foot so i combine both sightseeing ‘n exercise.
i just bring along a comfortable pair of trouser and sneakers
I would exercise more when I travel if I didn’t need to bring along size 13 shoes. Try sticking those in a roll-aboard and see how much else you can bring. Finding time isn’t hard. Wake up earlier.
Sometimes I wear the shoes I will use for running on the plane. These shoes aren’t necessarily my favorite running shoes — I use a darker-colored pair of trail running shoes that I don’t mind also using for walking/sightseeing or general use. They may not be ideal for running but they are fine for a couple of runs on a trip and can be used for more than running. I then pack my work/nicer shoes.
Hopefully the destination climate is somewhat mild (I prefer to run outside as opposed to on a treadmill) so I can pack only shorts, a short-sleeved shirt, a jog bra, and socks. I stick socks inside any shoes that I am packing to save space, assuming the shoes are large enough. I may use a plastic bag for my running clothes on the way home, or if most of the clothes heading home will be washed anyhow, I may not bother with the plastic bag.
I try to remember to ask for a running trail map or route suggestions when I check into the hotel to help with motivation. If possible, I’ll also try to run right when I arrive — it feels good to exercise and shower after the airplane travel.
I don’t have trouble with my exercise clothes, as I find they don’t take up much room. It’s the cross-trainers that are the problem for me. I’ve heard that some athletic shoe manufacturers are now selling shoes made specifically for packing. They have softer sides so that they compress in the suitcase.
Softer sided running shoes would be ideal for travel!
I appreciate all the suggestions. I ended up bringing a bigger bag so fitting them the shoes in wasn’t a problem. I’ve run once already, will go again tomorrow.
I’ve been traveling quite a bit lately and finding new ways to keep in shape on the road.
Here’s how I travel in a carry-on and always manage to get in my work-outs:
–Firstly, it’s helpful to ROLL ALL YOUR CLOTHES; I don’t really understand how, but it does make them take up less space. Also, if you pack your delicates in a ziploc and suck all the air out, they tend to take up much less space. Another trick is to stuff your socks or other small items into your sneakers/shoes.
I find that running in a new area helps me really get a feel for it, and so I will find a way to fit sneakers with me, always.
–However, if you’re not a runner but still want to be able to work out while on the road, I’d recommend buying a TRX SUSPENSION TRAINING KIT. It’s basically a few cables you can set up anywhere (on a doorframe, a tree, a jeep) and get an amazing workout in using just your body weight as resistance. It’s super easy to pack and as I’ve mentioned, you can set it up anywhere and get a great strength training workout!
Finally, if you know you’ll be headed somewhere with a DVD player, or you have your computer with you, you could always bring a WORKOUT VIDEO along. I’ve been doing P90x videos and love them. You won’t need to pack sneakers – actually, you really won’t need to even bring ANY work-out gear; you can do always do a workout video in your undies.
Hope this helps!
@Rachel – Thanks for the tips!