WORK OUT WHEN TRAVELING
One who is serious about working out to stay in shape will not take a pass when on the road. Personally, I have taken equipment with me when:
- Going to the beach or mountains
- Traveling for business
- Visiting friends or family for a few days
- Even when camping out
Many hotels have a fitness room, though some are not that great. You can always do push-ups, planks and crunches anywhere. Taking a walk in a new territory can be fun, as well as beneficial.
The important thing is to maintain your momentum and to even make gains as you travel. There is no reason not to. It becomes a matter of personal priorities.
FRANK STRANAHAN……
Was an outstanding amateur golfer, in the tradition of Bobby Jones. One difference is that Bobby Jones played in an era when pro golfers were not respected, sometimes not even welcomed into clubhouses. Frank Stranahan played later, when the pro tour was established and very few amateurs could compete.
Frank won 6 times on the PGA tour, including the 1958 Los Angeles Open. He was runner – up in the 1947 Masters and the 1947 and 1953 British Opens. This was the era of Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan and Sam Snead. Frank also dominated the amateur tournaments in the United States and Great Britain.
Frank was also heavily into weight lifting and training. On the tour, he carried dumbbells in his suitcases and barbells in the trunk of his car. It is said that he worked out with weights as much as he practiced golf when traveling. He did try to avoid overdeveloping his arms and chest, in the interest of maintaining a fluid golf swing. I can only imagine a hotel bellhop or valet going to Frank’s car to unload his gear. Frank is shown below, executing a snatch or clean and jerk on the lawn of a large hotel.
PORTABILITY
In the 1950s and early 60s, there were not many choices in workout equipment, other than barbells and dumbbells. We now have equipment that can be placed in a suitcase without weighing it down. Here are some examples:
- RESISTANCE CORDS (OR BANDS, OR TUBES) – these may be attached to a door or you may stand on the midpoint of the cords. Any known exercise movement may be accomplished. Intensity varies with the “poundage” of the cords or the length of the distance from the stabilizing point. Here are a couple of options: (1) The fit life and (2) Black Mountain. Note the image below. These are through Amazon. I am an Amazon associate and may earn from qualified purchases. This is available through Amazon. As an Amazon associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.
- BULLWORKER PRODUCTS – the Steel Bow is only 20″ in length and yet it can challenge anyone’s strength. I have used it for chest development primarily. It is also used for arms, shoulders, back and legs. It is shown below.
The Bullworker Iso Bow is a very small instrument for stretching and isometric movements. It is shown below.
The Iso-Flo is a new Bullworker device. Also, quite compact, it stretches and engages muscles by use of powerful straps. Check it out.
Complete information on all Bullworker products may be found in this link to their website. There are other small but effective devices. Keep looking.
The following are from Amazon.
There is one more small device that I want to mention, though it isn’t a piece of exercise equipment. If you are fanatical about your body composition (as I am), you will want to keep up with the following metrics:
- Weight
- Body Mass Index
- Body Fat Percentage
- Muscle Rate
- Body Water
- Basal Metabolic Rate
- Protein Rate
- Metabolic Age
- Visceral Fat Index
- Subcutaneous Fat
- Standard Weight
- Weight Control
- Fat Mass
- Weight Without Fat
- Muscle Mass
- Protein Mass
The Fit Track Dara scale provides this information. You place your feet on metal electrode pads and an electrical signal passes through your feet, legs and abdomen. See the image below. There is a Fit Track ap to store these insights on your cell phone.
The Fit Track Dara can be found here, with a nice discount.
CONCLUDING
My preference has always been to work out in the morning before breakfast, whether at home or elsewhere. There are so many ways and means to do this that I may have omitted some. If nothing else, do bodyweight movements and take a walk. You will love the results.
Exercise equipment has become more sophisticated since the days of Frank Stranahan and the portability factor is a big part of this.
Please leave any comments or questions in the “Comments” section below. Or email me, richard@myworkoutathome.com.
Be well and stay safe!
