If you plan to exercise while you’re travelling, you may need to pack a few tools to allow some diversity in your workouts. Of course, you can always train with what you find on your travels – a hotel gym, heavy natural items, structures to climb, etc. – but you may want to be self-sufficient. In that case, what should you pack?

A basic toolkit

Objectives:

• lightweight items
• minimal bag footprint (i.e. doesn’t take up a lot of bag room)
• adds a few more options to workouts

Contents:

• skipping rope
• running shoes
• stop watch
• resistance bands

Comments:

This kit will suit the traveller who won’t be away from home for too long. It doesn’t include anything to accomplish strength training (you can do this at a hotel gym or local gym if need be).

An intermediate toolkit

Objectives:

• lightweight items
• moderate bag footprint (can still be carried in carry-on luggage)
• more training options than the basic kit, recovery tools included

Contents:

• skipping rope
• Vibram Five Fingers shoes
• stop watch and interval timer (GymBoss or an iPhone timer application)
• tennis ball or soft ball (for self myofascial release)
• resistance bands

Comments:

This is the bang for your buck kit. You will get to cover enough movements to keep your training broad and functional. If you can find a gym in your travels you will be able to adequate strength work completed too. A few more iPhone apps would not go astray either.

An advanced toolkit

Objectives:

• relatively lightweight items
• limited total weight and bag footprint (preferably fits in carry-on luggage)
• greatest training options for tools included

Contents:

• speed skipping rope
• Vibram Five Fingers shoes
• stop watch and interval timer (GymBoss)
• iPhone applications (journal, exercise library etc.)
• Trigger Point tools (for self myofascial release)
• resistance bands
• gym rings

Comments:

This kit would suit the advanced traveller and fitness enthusiast would is dedicated to their training and is prepared to carry a little extra load in order to get a solid, broad level of training completed whilst travelling.

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Adam is a qualified fitness trainer and business owner. He is co-owner of Firebrand Fitness where he spends most of his time helping people become fitter than they’ve ever been. Adam also owns a number of online businesses and blogs including Portable Athlete, The Business Jolt, Paleo Brothers and his personal blog.

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