Journalists and business people, travel writers and sales reps, welcome to your Travel Wellness Program! You’re part of a unique tribe of modern day warriors with unique needs in an exercise program. Your routine needs to be quick and simple, address key components of strength and flexibility, and something you can do anywhere your peripatetic lifestyle may take you.
How do I know what you need in a fitness program? I met many of you in person during September and October – from Adventure Travel Mexico in Veracruz, Mexico to the Adventure Travel World Summit in Lucerne, Switzerland, from InnerIDEA in La Quinta, California, to stand up paddling on Lake Powell, Utah – and for a brief time, lived like you. The physical results from 8-weeks on the road: I lost 3 pounds of muscle mass, have a twinge in my lower back, slouch in my chair, can’t sleep more than 6 consecutive hours, have dull skin, and my butt appears to be losing the fight to gravity. In other words, I feel and look like sh@#!
Sol to the Rescue
This fitness trainer and outdoor guide is headed straight to the gym and my Utah Wasatch Mountains. But for you urban dwellers and travel junkies, here’s the kickoff to an exercise program just for you. The only equipment you need to start is yourself, a Yoga mat, towel, or clean space on the floor.
Give me 15 minutes a day and you will begin to feel and look better. Send me your feedback as we go along – tell me what you want to see more of!
The Program
Sol will post one exercise per day, five days a week, for four weeks. At the end of each week you will have five moves to put together for a 10-15 minute workout you can do anywhere. At the end of four weeks you will have four quick and simple workouts to combine into one hour-long exercise routine.
We’ll give you one nutrition tip per week, for four weeks.
You’ll also find the occasional blog reference to some of our favorite mind/body techniques, including breathing exercises, Qi Gong and T’ai Chi, Navajo “Walk in Beauty” rituals, and more.
We’ll Tweet when a new blog posts. Feel free to retweet, Facebook and share the love of health & wellness with your followers. Ready to begin? Here you go!
Week One, Exercise One: The Bridge
Part I. Lie on your back, knees bent, feet and toes flat, palms turned upward toward the sky. Relax the shoulders. Inhale.
Part II. Exhale. Press the heel and toes into the ground evenly, pushing the hips toward the sky until there is a straight line between the knees, hips, and shoulders. Return to start position and repeat 12-15 times.
Do three sets a day and watch as you stand taller, stride smoother, and put a little curve in that booty!