Like many of us, I spend a lot of time on the road. From planes to trains to cars, my travels take me across the state and around the world. I love how traveling frees me from my daily routine and offers the chance for new experiences. I like to shake things up every now and then! But leaving behind my daily routine also can have some downsides. In particular, staying active and exercising when I travel can be a challenge.
Recently I had a chance to talk with Kathleen Hale about her tips for moving more while on the road. Kathleen is the co-founder of Rebel Desk (https://www.rebeldesk.com/), a company that designs and sells treadmill desks (https://www.rebeldesk.com/product/rebel-treadmill-1000/) to help people be more active at work. She’s also the founder of Chair Free Project (http://chairfreeproject.com/), an educational resource to help people live better by using chairs less. I loved Kathleen’s travel tips and wanted to share with you!
What do you miss about your daily routine when you travel?
I miss my treadmill desk! I tend to walk at least four miles when I’m working at my Rebel Desk. I spend most of my other time standing. At the end of the day, I usually have sat for no more than two hours. When I’m on the road, I might have two hours of sitting time logged in just the first half of a flight! Staying active can be a real struggle when traveling.
It does seem that travel mostly involves sitting. Are there ways to sneak in more standing or walking?
If you have made the switch to a standing desk or treadmill desk, travel can be a rude reminder of how much sitting dominates our day. Do not fear though! You can sneak in standing time. If you take a subway, tram or bus to the airport, stand during the ride rather than sit. If you have enough time, walk between terminals instead of taking the airport train. When you stop to eat or to catch up on work emails before your flight, look for a standing-height table. I have seen these tables in more and more airports. An extra 15 minutes of standing will feel great before a 3-hour flight.
If you’re traveling by car, skip the drive-thru! Make sure to get out and walk, as opposed to sitting in a parking spot for 10 minutes. When you take a break from the road, seek out stops where you would enjoy walking around. Check out your favorite navigation app to find a nearby park, outdoor shopping mall, or a town’s main street. Spend some time strolling around and your body and mind will be refreshed when you get back behind the wheel.
Do you have suggestions to stay active when you’re on a plane?
Flying is one of the most sedentary forms of travel. Sitting still for hours during a flight actually can be dangerous because it increases your risk of forming potentially harmful blood clots. To reduce your risk of blood pooling in your veins, you just need to keep your legs active.
When the seat belt sign turns off, get up from your seat regardless of whether you need to use the restroom. Take the opportunity to walk up and down the aisle several times or stand in the back of the cabin and stretch your legs. Be sure not to interfere with the fly attendants or others trying to make it to the restroom. Often there is one other person on the flight who wants to get up and move, and I’ve made some nice connections with these like-minded folks!
If you have to stay in your seat, point and flex your feet to generate blood flow through your legs. Try to avoid crossing your legs for more than a few minutes. When your legs are crossed, you further restrict blood flow.
Once you arrive at your destination, how do you keep up your step count?
I suggest asking the concierge at your hotel about great places to take a walk or go for a run. If possible, get outside to experience the city where you are, as opposed to heading down to the typically bland hotel gym.
Before you leave the hotel for a meeting or meal, consider if the distance to your destination is feasible for a walk instead of a cab ride. Not only will you save money, but you will get a chance to experience the vibe of the city you’re visiting. Strolling along with the locals, peering in shop windows, and smelling the local eats simply can’t compare to watching the action whiz by from an Uber. If I can get somewhere within a 30-minute walk, then I will try to plan for that walk instead of driving. Not only do I get in my steps, but I also take in the sights.
If you have time for fun while you’re traveling, what do you like to do?
I love to take in local museums. First, museums usually involve a lot of walking! Second, I am a bit of a history buff and love immersing myself in the past. When learning about the past, I’m reminded of how far we have come and yet how much still is the same.
Funny you should say that! I recently was on a museum tour in New York City and the tour guide pointed out Marie Antoinette’s standing desk! Seems she did not like sitting much either!
Thanks to Kathleen for sharing her tips. Happy active travels!
