I would have sworn that I had already written about the training equipment I carry with me on business trips, but I can’t find that post anywhere. This serves as a reminder that five plus years into writing this blog, I passed the threshold of hallucinating prior posts a long time ago. Even though I can’t locate the “original,” I am going to treat this one as an update all the same.
While some hotels boast amazing gyms, the reality is that most provide little more than a treadmill, elliptical, and stationary bike, alongside a random collection of free weights that are inevitably either too light or too heavy for my current reps. My solution to that common problem is to pack a small kit that allows me to perform my daily training essentials without taking up too much space or adding noticeable weight to my luggage. An added benefit is that this kit supports in-room workouts, which is perfect when the gym is crowded, sketchy, or when I just need to save a little time.
My current kit includes a cordless jump rope, a golf ball, and a figure eight resistance band. All of these fit neatly into a small zipper packing bag. I also typically carry a massage roller with me, though sometimes when space is at a premium, I swap it out for a lacrosse ball which also fits within the zipper bag.
The figure eight band is my latest obsession in tennis training. Unlike a traditional resistance band and door anchor setup (which I previously always carried), the figure eight doesn’t require an anchor point. That is especially helpful in hotels that have embraced barn or pocket doors for closets and bathrooms. While the exterior door is always an option, I don’t love repeatedly opening and closing it to change the anchor point while exercising. I have found that the figure-eight band allows me to perform a wide range of resistance work from any spot in the room.
As an aside, I have also recently started carrying a figure eight band in my tennis racquet bag. It is the perfect form factor for quick muscle activation or keeping loose while waiting for a match at the tournament desk. That’s a location where good anchor points are typically scarce and where hogging space for a traditional resistance band setup feels obnoxious.
Figure 8 Resistance Band (<- Sponsored Link)
The key to staying fit while traveling is simple: plan ahead, pack the necessary equipment, and adhere to routines that address your priorities. For me, that means incorporating tools specific to my plantar fasciitis prevention routine, prioritizing cardio, and covering my strength work through resistance bands and bodyweight exercises.
So that’s my kit. What’s in yours? I’d love to hear what other people carry along in their own version of a “travel gym in a bag.”
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