Staying Active Away from Home

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

ROCHESTER, Minn. — When you're on vacation or traveling for work, don't leave fitness behind. The September issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource offers tips to stay active on the road:

Plan ahead: Many hotels offer exercise facilities and pools. Call ahead to check. If you have a favorite sport, incorporate it into the trip. Rent bikes or schedule a golf outing, tennis match or a night of bowling or dancing.

Pack appropriately: Bring clothing and footwear so you can be active. Don't forget a swimsuit. Pack a jacket and umbrella so you can walk, even if it's raining. Throw in a fitness DVD if you use one at home.

Use layovers and long flights: Walk briskly around the terminal between flights. You can stash your bags in airport lockers. On the plane, stretch and walk the aisle once every hour. It helps decrease muscle aches, joint stiffness and swelling. It also improves blood flow and reduces your risk of developing a blood clot in your legs. Stretch in your seat by rotating your neck and shoulders and wiggling your ankles. The air on a plane typically is very dry, so don't forget to stay hydrated.

Take frequent driving breaks: If you're on a car trip, stop often to get out and stretch. Walk around a rest area. Pump your arms to circulate your blood. Pinch your shoulder blades together and then relax them. When sitting, whether in a car, bus or train, keep your knees as high as your hips to help with blood flow.

Make fitness a focus: If you're going on vacation, consider making physical activity the main event. Try hiking, backpacking, canoeing or camping. Ask a travel agent about ecotourism, a specialized adventure travel tour of natural habitats that minimizes impact on the local environment.

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