Make time for yoga – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

When embarking on a road trip of a few days or more, plan ahead by finding local fitness classes you can take as you pass through a new city.

Rather than spend your time stretching at a boring rest stop, pop in for a 30 minute or 1 hour session at a yoga, pilates or fitness studio. You’ll meet locals, get a feel for the town, and get that cooped-up car-feeling out of your system. Search for businesses that accept walk-ins, and allow yourself time to get to town in case of traffic or a minor misshap.

[Photo: Flickr | fdean55]

SkyMall Monday: Children’s Gym Equipment

by Mike Barish on

With summer in full effect, everyone is hyper-sensitive about how they look. It’s been one of the hottest summers in decades, which means skimpier clothing and lots of time spent in bathing suits. And that means exposed skin and – sadly – exposed flaws. From beer bellies to muffin tops to hot dogs on the backs of people’s necks, fat rears its ugly head in numerous unflattering ways. I’m not talking about adults who have let themselves go. No, I’m talking about kids who have hit the Dunkaroos just a little too hard. Thankfully, we can start nipping those problems in the bud before they ever have a chance to weigh kids down (see what I did there?). Now there’s a way to keep children fit, ripped and juiced up so that they look their best when sliding down the Crocodile Mile. Who do we have to thank for getting our kids in shape? SkyMall, of course. Who else would realize that kids can’t stay healthy simply by playing freeze tag and Red Rover. They need an intense workout regimen that focuses on their glamor areas. You know, arms, abs and butt. The muscles that keep those girls coming back for more than just nap time. They need the Fun & Fitness children’s gym equipment.Everybody knows that kids who like to party are really into GTL. You know, Gymboree, Toilet Training, Lunchables. That’s what keeps them looking good and attracting the attention of all those hotties at the playground. If you’re gonna look like a gorilla juicehead in your Ed Hardy kids wear, you need to be huge. All the more reason to buy the entire Fun & Fitness line of children’s gym equipment.

Fun & Fitness Air Walker

Finally, a Gazelle for children so that Tony Little can yell at someone who also rocks an adorable blond ponytail. Your kid’s calves and butt will firm up in weeks, allowing them to look great in miniskirts and wedges when they hit the birthday party circuit.

Fun & Fitness Weight Bench

No one wants to be that wimpy kid who can’t even get his straw into a pouch of Capri Sun (Author’s Note: Yes, I know that those pouches were hard for everyone – WTF). Little girls like boys who are ripped. Big biceps mean big pushes on the swings.

Fun & Fitness Treadmill

Sure, your kids could simply do what all kids have done since the dawn of time: run around in circles until they are exhausted and dizzy. But where’s the discipline in that? Your children need to be able to monitor their speed, distance and – seriously – calories burned. If your little girl ate too many slices of pizza before bed after a night of partying with Pixy Stix, she has to sweat it all out the next morning before cruising the boardwalk.

Fun & Fitness Stationary Bike

Teaching your children to ride bikes is worthless. They’re just going to fall and cry and tear holes in their Jeans Diapers. Instead, let them track their distance and – again, seriously – calories burned while listening to the latest beats from Kidz Bop.

You could continue to let your kids play games, run around in the backyard and, you know, be children, but then you’d just be an irresponsible parent with well-adjusted offspring. If you want your kids to look good, be popular and get with all the hottest girls in playgroup, then you need to get them them toned and jacked. Juice box abs get the ladies.

So, rather than raising your kids to be losers focused on nonsense like Ring Around the Rosie and math, make sure that they are spending two hours a day pumping foam (you didn’t think the weights were metal, did you?) and running till they work off those Teddy Grahams. If they’re gonna fist pump like little champs, they’ll need to earn it.

Check out all of the previous SkyMall Monday posts HERE.

Travel fitness: Staying fit while away from home

by Gadling Staff on

So, you’ve been exercising regularly but now you have a trip coming up and you don’t want to lose your momentum. Obviously, you’re not going to be able to pack your bicycle, yoga mat, or weight set along but, while you may have to modify your exercise approach, there’s no reason to abandon your workouts entirely. Here is some great travel gear that helps me stay in shape while away from home.

1) Running/walking shoes: Just about anywhere you travel you can still find somewhere to pound the pavement. Walking or running is great exercise. Be sure to stay in safe, well-lit, populated places. If your plans include walking around town or hiking a trail you’ll get your exercise while enjoying the sights– and your feet will thank you if you bring decent footwear.

2) Swimsuit and goggles: If you like to swim for fitness, these are great to have. A suit and goggles take up hardly any packing space while keeping your exercise options open. Many hotels have swimming pools or you might be able to find a community pool to enjoy. 3) Cellphone armband: Chances are you’re going to have your cellphone with you anyway. Why not bring along an armband so you can have your hands free? Cellphone armbands low profile and take up hardly any room. If you’re running or walking in a new place, it’s very useful to be able to call someone just in case you get lost.

4) A List: Okay, so this isn’t gear, but when you plan the details of your travel, get online and scope out parks or community fitness centers near your destination. Some places grant day passes to visitors, sometimes at a small fee. Write down phone numbers and addresses so you can check things out when you get there.

5) Lightweight clothing: Traveling is all about conserving space- you may need to “travel size” with your workout wardrobe. For example, if you’re going to be gone for a week, don’t pack seven different workout outfits– instead, try to pack one or two base layers tops and shorts and one or two warmer tops. If you pack lightweight/breathable fabric you can easily wash it out by hand, hang it up to dry, and it will be ready to go again in the morning.

It is definitely possible to maintain your fitness while traveling– just remember a few pieces of gear and you will be set!

Amy Kemp is a Seed.com writer.

Travel fitness: Packing light helps travelers stay in shape

by Gadling Staff on

A little bit of planning while you pack will help you to stay in shape and explore your destination with ease. Packing light is essential, and each of these items earns their space in your luggage. Follow the strategy outlined below and you will have an inexpensive, easy to pack, and fun way to explore a new destination that keeps you in shape while you travel.

Running Shoes: Pack a pair of running shoes, preferably trail running shoes. These may double as walking or hiking shoes during your trip.

Synthetic Running Shorts/Bottoms: Depending on the climate where you are traveling and the level of cultural appropriateness, bring either running shorts or running pants/tights. They should be made from quick-dry synthetic materials. Don’t plan on doing double duty with exercise clothing on your trip — even if you do plan to do laundry.

Running Shirts: Soccer (football to the rest of the world) jerseys make wonderful running shirts in Europe. They are a fun, useful souvenir and a nice conversation starter when you are out. Just be smart and don’t jog through the park sporting the jersey of local team’s arch rival.Sport Watch: You need a watch with a timer, but it’s likely you have one already in hand so just set the right time and go.

A Map: Yes, you will need a map of your destination!

Running Wallet: If you don’t have a good pocket, keep enough money for an emergency cab ride in the local currency, the name and location of your hotel, plus personal ID and emergency contact information with you.

Running is one of the most efficient methods of exercise and it doesn’t require any specialized equipment or a specific location. If you are not a runner this routine works equally well for walkers. Even if your hotel does have a gym, ditch it. The great outdoors awaits!

Study your map for a nearby location where you can easily run or walk. Public parks, river paths, beaches, lakes, and old railway tracks (in the US) usually offer a great venue. If you are unsure about the safely or appropriateness of an area, check with your hotel. Plan a simple route and estimate how long it will take you. Ideally, you will be able to travel in a single direction and turn around at a landmark or when a certain amount of time has passed.

Warm up by walking to your route’s start, stretch, start your timer and head out. At your halfway time mark, head for home. A cool down followed by a few push-ups and sit-ups go a long way to keeping you fit on travel.

Plan your run for a beautiful time of day. An early morning or late evening run offers a unique on-the-ground view of a new area. New terrain will keep your eyes and your feet interested and engaged. You may even make a new acquaintance or two! Running can help you appreciate a new area and keep you fit while you are away from home.

Heather Thomas is a Seed.com writer.

Ask Gadling: Travel weight gain

by Annie Scott on


Traveling into unknown territory can bring up a lot of questions. We’re here to help. This week’s question comes from Andrew in Long Island, who has a problem that many — if not most — of us have.

“I’m trying to lose weight. I’ve lost 15 pounds since February, but I keep wrecking my progress when I go out of town. I travel once per month for business and also went on a vacation, and every time it’s the same thing. I don’t feel like I’m eating that much.”

Gadling: First of all, congratulations on losing 15 pounds. I’m sorry to hear that travel has been getting in your way, though. Provided that you are not on a special diet and under the close supervision of a doctor, here are some tips that might help:

Don’t eat on the plane.

Airplane food can have a lot of hidden calories, not to mention preservatives. Is it really that great, even in first class? Not great enough to justify eating it. We tend to not even count airplane food as a real “meal.” You’re still going to want to try some local cuisine when you get off the plane, so save your appetite. If the flight is really long (I’m already assuming it’s decently long if they’re serving food at all), try packing sandwiches and fruit so that you have control over what you’re eating. At the very least, grab yourself a small square of dark chocolate or an apple and forgo whatever sugary cake they put on your tray table.

View more Ask Gadling: Travel Advice from an Expert or send your question to ask [at] gadling [dot] com.

Get some exercise.

Exercising can be a great way to see a new city. If you’re on vacation, it’s easy to justify going for long walks; you may not even notice them. Additionally, check out what bike rides, kayak tours, hikes and other active-activities are available. On the other hand, if you’re just in some industrial complex in middle America every other week for meetings, getting out can be a little trickier. Make a commitment to use the hotel gym at least once for every two days you’re out of town, and if the hotel your company uses doesn’t have one, bring it up with your boss and see if they can start using a new one or provide you with a local gym membership while you’re there. Asking for a way to help you stay healthy may seem embarrassing, but it’s not out of the question. Just don’t phrase it like you’re looking for an upgrade.

Don’t “vacation eat.”

We’ve all said it: “I can eat whatever I want, it’s vacation!” or thought: “I might not ever get to eat at this restaurant again, so I’d better have a feast.” Well, if you’re trying to lose weight, it’s not a vacation from that, and whether you’ll ever be at a restaurant again or not, overeating doesn’t make any logical sense. The way to avoid “vacation eating” is to make sure you’ve lined up lots of fun things to do; that way, you don’t find yourself coasting from meal to meal. If there’s nothing planned but breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner, you’ll naturally try and get all you can out of those events, which can include multiple courses and cleaning your plate — neither of which is necessary. Use the same tricks you would at home; ask yourself how hungry you are on a scale of one to ten and order accordingly. Don’t make food the main event of your day or your vacation.

If work for you involves long, multi-course lunches, first of all, congratulations, your job rocks. But really, you don’t have to eat all that much. Keep drinking water, eat more of the salad and less of the potatoes. Don’t clean your plate. These things may seem ineffectual, and on their own, they are; but if you do them as a rule, they can make a big difference.

Keep the drinking under control.

Not that you have a problem or anything. Most of us tend to drink more when we’re away. Whether it’s boredom while alone in a hotel room, work buddies, friends you don’t usually get to see or you’re just plain “vacation drinking,” keep the caloric content of drinks — and the fact that drinking can lead to more eating — in mind. If you’re concerned that someone will give you a hard time if you don’t have a drink in your hand, or that you won’t have as much fun, try just replacing a drink here and there with a plain soda with lime from the bar. It looks like a drink, so you won’t feel (or look) like you’re not participating.