Trainer Recommendations: How to Exercise at Home or While Traveling
While we fully encourage you to rest, have fun, and spend time with your loved ones as much as you can, we also want to keep you feeling strong, limber, and healthy — no matter where you may be!
Whether you’re experiencing a change in work schedule or life circumstances, or you’re simply planning a trip out of town, the right exercises and portable equipment can help you keep up with your fitness routine at home or in a hotel room.
Here’s how Park Avenue Fitness owner and ACE-certified personal trainer Mary Doyle helps her clients adapt their fitness routines and practices for when they can’t get into the studio.
Exercises to Try at Home or in a Hotel Room
The good news is that you don’t need a ton of big, heavy equipment to get an effective workout! Bodyweight exercises and some portable resistance tools can help you build strength, improve mobility, and elevate your heart rate almost anywhere.
Mary recommends countertop push-ups; they can be done in the kitchen or in the bathroom. For legs, stand-up sit-downs can be done anywhere with a chair. Another option is to sit on a chair, place a pillow between your knees, and do inner-thigh squeezes.
How to Set Up a Home Workout Space
Creating a dedicated workout area doesn't require huge space — an open space with enough room to move safely is all you need to get started!
Choose an area with good lighting and ventilation, and keep frequently used equipment (like resistance bands, dumbbells, or a stability ball) within reach. A thick yoga mat can help provide cushioning for floor exercises and define your workout space.
As your routine changes, you can gradually add or change out equipment based on your fitness goals. Mary recommends prioritizing versatile pieces that allow you to perform a wide range of exercises without taking up too much space.
Build Your Home Gym With Park Avenue Fitness
Not sure where to start? Let us know your health and fitness history, and we’ll help you set up a home gym that works with your goals. We’ll work with you to find the best equipment for your needs and space. We can also show you how different machines work and how you can arrange them to maximize your space.
How to Work Out in a Hotel Room
Even if you only have 15 to 30 minutes, fitting in a quick workout can help give you an energy boost, improve circulation, and make it easier to stay consistent with your fitness goals while traveling — perfect for when you’re experiencing some travel-related fatigue or bloating.
While plenty of hotels offer a gym, sometimes it’s nice to work out in the privacy of your own room. Simply make sure you have enough open floor space and check for any slippery surfaces.
If the hotel furniture is sturdy, you can try using a chair or the edge of the bed for some chair- or bench-based exercises, but Mary recommends taking some travel-friendly equipment for the best (and safest) hotel workout experience.
Our Favorite Equipment for Working Out at Home or When Traveling
Here are some of Mary’s favorite portable fitness equipment:
Best for Home:
Dumbbells (not the set of 3, but individual pairs)
Best for Home and Travel:
Doorway attachment (to use with the Versa Band)
Half roll (Great to have for long drives!)
Keep up your fitness routine, no matter what your schedule throws at you!
Life can be busy and change up our routines for all sorts of reasons. If you’re scheduling a trip soon or would simply like classes and sessions with more flexibility, we can help! Contact us to learn more about hybrid and virtual classes!