Travel Workout with Resistance Bands for Your Ultimate Fitness Companion
ON THE ROAD FOR WORK OR — EVEN BETTER — PLAY? CARVE OUT A CORNER IN YOUR SUITCASE, POP IN A RESISTANCE BAND, AND SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR EXCUSES. CONSIDER THIS TRIP AN ACTIVE ONE — AND HOLD YOURSELF TO IT.
Most of us embark on a vacation with the best intentions to hit the gym at least a few times, to take it easy at the buffet, and to exercise discretion with the fruity drinks. But it’s so easy to get caught up in the blaring sun, afternoon naps, and yet another road trip, so who can blame you for letting your program fall to the wayside?
When you’re away from home but still looking to sweat, resistance bands are your best friend. They’re light, portable, and infinitely versatile – buy a few of varying tensions so you can use the lighter ones for upper-body moves and the thicker ones for lower-body moves. Even more ideal: do this travel workout series of moves at least twice a week while away, and you’ll be able to indulge with a clear conscience.
Fitness Bands for On-the-Go Workouts
HOW TO DO IT Perform all moves in order once without rest. Recover for one minute, then repeat from the top. Got some extra time? Do it again!
Shoulder Press
A Stand on the middle of a band and raise your upper arms to shoulder height, wrists above your elbows.
B Press your hands above your head until your arms are straight. Pause, then slowly lower back to the start. Do 12 reps.
One-Armed Lateral Raise
Step your feet out wide. Place one end of the band under your foot and hold the other end in your hand.
Keep a slight bend in your elbow as you raise your hand out to the side until your arm is at shoulder height and the band is taut. Slowly reverse. Repeat the motion for 10 reps total, then switch to your other hand. Upright Row
Read-Delt Flye
Overhead Triceps Extension
opposite side.
Bent-Over Row
Leading with your elbows, pull your shoulder blades toward each other as you bring the handles up to the sides of your chest. Pause, then lower your hands back to the start. Repeat for 12 reps. Side Leg Lift
Body-Weight Lunge
Place your hands on your hips or keep them loose at your sides. Take a big step forward with one foot and bend both legs, dropping your rear knee an inch or two above the ground. Pause, then press through your front foot to return to the start. Repeat, alternating legs, for 20 reps total.
Triceps Dip
Sit on a bench or ledge with your feet flat on the ground. Place both hands beside your hips, walk your feet forward slightly, and extend your arms fully. 
Bend your arms to lower your glutes toward the ground. Keep your eyes facing forward and don’t let your elbows flare out to the sides. Press through your palms to extend your arms. Do as many reps as you can with good form. Side-Step Squat
Loop the band around your legs and squat down low. Hold your hands together in front of your chest for balance. 
Keep your glutes low to the ground and shoulders level as you step one foot out to the side, then move the other to meet it. Continue moving in the same direction for 10 steps. Without stopping, move in the opposite direction back to the start. Should tap Push-Up
Get into a push-up position on a mat with your legs straight and your hands under your shoulders. Bend your elbows to lower your chest toward the ground. 
As you rise, reach one arm across your body to tap your opposite shoulder. Continue in this manner, alternating arms, for 16 to 20 reps total. Crunch with Leg Lift
Lie face-up on the ground with the middle of the band looped around the bottom of your feet. Grab one end in each hand and raise your shoulders and feet slightly from the ground. 
Slowly lift your legs until they are perpendicular to the floor. Hold, then slowly lower in an arc until they are a few inches above the ground. Complete 15 reps.
PHOTOS BY @CHRISVLINTON
