What generally happens to our physical fitness program when we travel? It all goes downhill right? Well it doesn’t have to be that way. All it takes is planning and a clear mind set of what you want to achieve. So often people tell me when they go on vacation or away on a business trip that they not only didn’t workout, but they overate.

Here are some rules of thumb to live by when traveling:

#1 Rule – Don’t stay anywhere that doesn’t have a gym. These days that is pretty hard not to find.

#2 Rule – Plan your workout time just like you plan your meal times and pencil it into your day planner the same as you would if you were planning a business lunch.

#3 Rule – Reprioritize and rearrange your mindset on where exercise ranks in your life. Be sure to put it at the top. It must be recognized as a necessary and automatic function, just like waking up in the morning and brushing your teeth or looking for breakfast.

#4 Rule – If you are short on time do body weight exercises and/or whip out that exercise tube I so often talk about and get busy.

#5 Rule – Make smart dining choices. Just because you are away from home there is still no excuse for eating badly. Many places today have a small selection of healthy menus. If they don’t, you have to mix, match, and just ask for what you want. I do it all the time and 95 percent of the time I get my way.

Traveling is stressful and exercise is the antidote!

See more of Wendy's musings: http://www.wendyida.com.