ROAD TRIP!

How do you stay in shape when traveling?

What an incredible spring it was! Two weeks on the road made for quite the adventure. While my background in movement education certainly helps, it doesn’t always make things easier. Ironically, even with my expertise, motivation can wane—especially when I’m supposed to be relaxing rather than working.

However, my training allows me to detect “pre-pain” signals more effectively than most. Recognizing these signs—like tension in my neck or lower back, feeling dried out, or experiencing headaches—enables me to address issues with my body’s stability system promptly.

When you're traveling, stress is inevitable and can disrupt your stability mechanisms. Therefore, it's crucial to have a strategy for recognizing and managing these pre-pain signals. Just as you wouldn’t forget your toothbrush or favorite outfits, make sure you have a routine—whether written down, memorized, or recorded on video—to maintain your well-being on the go.

We spent the first seven days in a compact hotel room in Orlando for a national swim competition. The schedule was predictable: rise around 6:30 a.m., be at the pool by 8:00 a.m. to watch three hours of swimming, then enjoy the afternoons sunbathing, walking, eating, and returning for swim finals. While it wasn't a vacation, the structured routine made it easier to plan and manage.

During this trip, I used a small 1/2 roller and MELT® treatments to keep my upper body hydrated and minimize neck and upper back pain. I carried a ball kit that allowed me to address stress and maintain comfort. Even though hotel floors aren’t ideal for rolling, a few extra towels made a clean and comfortable surface for my routine. Techniques like Rest Assess, Gentle Rocking, Tuck & Tilt, and 3D Breath, along with upper back glides and shears, were all part of my regimen.

Maintaining length, strength, and flexibility was crucial, so my Pilates Mat was indispensable. Moves like Spine Stretch Forward, Spine Twist, and Saw helped elongate my spine and keep my posterior chain hydrated. The FAB 5 series challenged my breath, mind-body connection, and stamina, while the 100 helped clear my head and engage every muscle in my torso allowing me to feel strong and enabled.

Prone work was essential for activating my posterior chain and maintaining good posture. Exercises like Swan, Swimming, and Side Lying Leg Work kept my hips stable despite long periods of sitting. Finishing with a plank series challenged my whole-body stability and facilitated optimal motor timing.

The second half of our trip involved extensive car travel, making comfort and relaxation crucial. Techniques to stimulate my nervous system and relax the vagus nerve were essential. For instance, pinching the Tragus (the small flap by your ear) and exhaling can tap into the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation.

Additionally, eye training—moving my eyes left, right, up, down, and diagonally—helped stimulate my brain and manage pain. This “brain candy exercise” improved my cognitive function and helped me stay alert on the road, which was vital given the unpredictable driving conditions over 2,000 miles.

In summary, staying in shape while traveling isn’t just about cardio or lifting weights. It’s about maintaining homeostasis and keeping all your systems functioning well. Minimizing stress and enjoying your journey, free from stomach aches, headaches, or back pain, ensures you can make the most of your experiences and memories.