Table of Contents

1. The Power of a Change in Scenery
2. Training on the Go: The Key Habits
3. The Must-Have Travel Workout Gear
4. My Go-To Mountain Workout
5. Travel Fitness Tips to Keep You Moving

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The Power of a Change in Scenery

Welcome to Banner Elk, North Carolina — where the air is crisp, the views are stunning, and the Wi-Fi is (thankfully) optional. My family and I took a much-needed escape from the day-to-day grind. And while the scenery was enough to reset my brain, one thing didn’t change: my commitment to staying active.

You see, even when I’m away, I’m still training. I’ve got to keep up with Jose (and trust me, that’s no easy task).

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Training on the Go: The Key Habits

Let’s get something straight — travel doesn’t mean hitting pause on your fitness goals. You just need to tweak the routine a bit.

Here’s what works for me:

Stick to a Solid Routine

• Go to bed at a decent time (yes, even on vacation) to ensure you’re ready for your training program.
• Wake up early — naturally, if possible.
• Take advantage of the peace and quiet while everyone else sleeps in.
• Get your workout in first thing, so you’re ready for whatever the day brings.

There’s nothing worse than hitting 6 p.m. and realizing you meant to work out using a hybrid training approach that combines strength and endurance. Just knock it out early, clear your head, and check it off the list.

Plan Ahead

No gym? No problem.

• Mix bodyweight workouts with resistance training.
• Bring gear if you can (more on that below).
• Map out local trails or outdoor spaces for some active exploration and cardio workouts.

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The Must-Have Travel Workout Gear

You don’t need a full gym in your suitcase — just a few key tools that pull their weight (literally).

Here’s what I always pack:

Stretch Band

Great for those hamstring stretches that feel oh-so-good after sitting in a car or plane.

Resistance Loop

Glutes, arms, back — it’s your all-in-one tension tool for strength training.

Resistance Bands + Handles

Now this is my secret sauce.

I attach handles with carabiners to the loops — boom, full-body workout, no gym required.

TRX Band

A true MVP.

Mine’s been through the wringer, but it’s perfect for whole-body workouts and adjustable to almost any setting.

My Go-To Mountain Workout

After strength training or yoga, it’s time to hit the hills — literally.

Today’s adventure: Beech Mountain.

I tackled three epic climbs, each one testing my endurance and mental grit. By the time I finished, I had:

• Completed yoga 
• Fueled up with a solid breakfast 
• Packed the bike and gear 
• Conquered the climbs 

Not a bad way to spend a day in the mountains.

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Travel Fitness Tips to Keep You Moving

Want to stay consistent on your next trip? Here’s your cheat sheet:

• Plan ahead: Know what your workouts will look like and what gear you’ll need for your training program.
• Pack smart: Resistance bands and a TRX go a long way.
• Wake up early: Get your sweat in before the day sweeps you away.
• Be flexible: No gym? Use bodyweight exercises. No weights? Hike a mountain.
• Pick the right spot: A beautiful location can help motivate you as a hybrid athlete. To motivate yourself, set clear goals for your training program. 

And if you’re more of a Jose, you might wing it — and that’s okay too. Just make sure you’re moving and soaking up those outdoor vibes.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re headed to the mountains, the beach, or somewhere in between, don’t ditch your fitness game. A little planning, a few key tools, and a great location can turn your trip into an energizing, mind-clearing, goal-crushing experience.

So stay gritty, stay consistent, and travel somewhere like Banner Elk, NC, a perfect place for hybrid training with its diverse trails and beautiful surroundings. 

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Transcript

Welcome to Banner Elk, North Carolina. My family and I had the opportunity to unplug and get away from things—and that’s one of my favorite things to do. A change of scenery clears the mind.

But when I’m out traveling, that doesn’t mean I stop training—especially since I’ve got to keep up with Jose. So when traveling and training, some of the things that I do include:

Continue Reading

First, just keeping a good routine. Going to bed at a decent time so I can wake up early. I naturally wake up early anyway, but it works out perfectly because my family sleeps in, which gives me a chance to get in a solid workout or a good biking session. Then I’m ready for the day.

Because let’s be honest—there have been days where the whole day slips by and I think, “Man, I wish I had just gotten that workout in.” Knocking it out in the morning clears your mind, and you can check it off your list.

Another key is having a plan. When I travel to a place that doesn’t have a gym, I alternate bodyweight exercises like yoga with some resistance training. If I can, I’ll bring some gear with me—like a TRX band or resistance bands.

If the location is convenient—like in the mountains—I’ll pack my bike or rucksack so I can get out there and get the job done.

Let me show you some of my equipment before I jump into a yoga session.

When training while traveling, I typically bring a few essentials:

• A stretch band (got to work those hammies!)
• A resistance band (great for glutes)
• Some resistance loops

Now I do something a little creative to make life easier: when I use resistance loops, I bring handles with carabiners so I can lock it in and get a full-body workout more easily.

And finally, my trusty TRX band. This thing has definitely been through the wringer—the pads are starting to wear down—but it’s perfect for full-body exercises. I like to overload the body to get in a really good workout.

Today’s plan? A good yoga session, then I’m hopping on the bike.

All right, now it’s time to head out and get some epic climbing in. I’m going to Beach Mountain. There are three killer climbs I’m going to hit, which will make for a solid workout because I already got my yoga in and a good breakfast.

The bike is packed, the gear’s in the truck—I’m ready to roll.

The point is: when you’re traveling, all you really need is a good plan. Or, if you’re like Jose, you’ll just wing it. Either way, the right tools go a long way.

And if you can’t bring gear? No problem—do bodyweight exercises and try to stay somewhere beautiful so you can head outside and enjoy the wilderness.

In the meantime, stay gritty. And if you’re interested in Banner Elk and Beach Mountain, just click the link below.