By: Therese Iknoian

Staying Fit on the Road, Part 3: Now that you’re planning, take a look in Therese’s suitcase so you can pack right too.

The last in our series on staying fit, sane and smart looks at packing right, and a few workout tips. Again, our four keys: Cut back, plan ahead, pack right, workout smart.

Packing isn’t just about sweaters and shoes. You’ll need to plan ahead in your packing routine for your workouts too

Pack Right.

Never assume you won't be able to get in a workout. If the opportunity arises, you'll kick yourself (that doesn't count as exercise) if you don't have the right shoes or clothes with you.

• Keep a pair of walking shoes or a simple set of workout clothes in your briefcase or carry an extra bag. You never know if you'll be able to skip a meeting or lunch one day.
• Make sure you've packed gear that'll do for indoors or outdoors, as well as the weather you'll face.

You don't have to go outside or to a fitness center for a workout, especially if you're in a time crunch, if you have the right gear packed along:

• Invest in a small pair of speakers for your personal stereo and an up-tempo music tape or CD. They can be a motivating lifesaver for a pumping workout in your room.
• Don't forget exercise tubing for resistance work. It squishes into the tiniest, lightest bundle and unfurls into an entire weight-lifting gym.
• How about taking a jump rope for a stationary aerobic workout?

A Few Last Workout Tips

• Heave telephone books or a packed carry-on for resistance, or use chairs, doorways and bed frames for exercises such as pushups, tricep dips, squats, or abdominal crunches, says Fields. ?
• Don't forget the halls and stairs of a hotel or convention center. Run-walk up and down emergency stairwells, or jog laps in a hallway. Or combine the two. Try some calisthenics on landings between floors, or use the stairs for step-ups. (I once did laps up and down stairwells in Tokyo, Japan, jogging past maids who tittered at the silly American. But I got my workout in!)

Creativity and flexibility will help you return satisfied.

Now, hit the road.

© Therese Iknoian; All Rights Reserved