Working Out While Traveling - Getting Rid Of The Excuses

JLF Gym - Paranaque, Philippines

We've all done it! Whether we go on a weekend family vacation or a "round the world" backpacking trip, we all make it an excuse to not workout and eat healthy, I know.......I've done it! But it doesn't have to be that difficult. Here are some things that I have learned during my travels, and hopefully it may help you stay on track while jet setting or trekking the globe.

1.  DON'T CHANGE - If you are already working out and eating healthy at home, don't change that. Most people change their way of thinking into "vacation-mode" thinking that traveling has to be a BUFFET! All you are doing is going to a different place, that doesn't mean that you have to change your lifestyle.

2.  FIND A GYM - The first thing that I always do wherever I go is look at my accommodations to see if I have enough workout space. I then find out if there is a gym facility on property, or in near proximity to where I am staying. Once I know what I am working with, I can then plan my day around my workouts.

3.  KEEP YOUR FRIENDS ON POINT - I always let my friends and family know that I have to workout and eat healthy so they know how serious I am about my lifestyle. I tell them that I cannot do anything until I finish my workout of the day, and I sometimes even ask them to keep me accountable.

4.  INVITE - Sometimes it's difficult to workout on your own, so I try to find someone who wants to workout too. It's a great way to make new friends, and introduce others into a healthy lifestyle while traveling.

5.  HEALTHY SNACKS - The hardest part is nutrition. When we start exploring a different city or when we are out on a day tour, the healthy food choices are not that great. If you plan ahead and get some healthy snacks such as fruit, nuts, and even Shakeology Packets (that's what I do), then you will not be tempted to buy junk food. I've found that most places sell fruit, and that's a lot better choice than a $.99 cent burger from McYouKnowWhat.

6.  STAY ACTIVE - I always try to find adventure tours or activities while I travel. This will help with your daily calorie burn. I suggest the following: walking tours, city bike tours, hiking tours, local group boot camps, running events, etc. And if you see stairs while you are trekking the city, take them.

7.  JUST HAVE FUN - You're on vacation and you're traveling the world. Have fun! It's ok to try new things, and have a local beer every now and again, just keep everything in moderation. Being healthy and fit will help you enjoy travel a lot more. Why would you visit the Great Wall of China if you can't even walk it? Take care of your body, it's the only one that you have.

So I hope this helps you stay on track. Travel is a gift, and something that should be experienced by everyone. Invest in your health and fitness and I promise, you will be able to enjoy the world in a better way.

Stay active and happy travels my friends!

 Hiking the Banaue Rice Terraces - Philippines

For more travel posts, click here!


Are you ready to start living? Let's get started on your Fitness Journey today!

Bridal Veil Falls - Baguio City, Philippines

Bridal Veil Falls - Baguio City, Philippines

Nope, this is not Colorado! Apparently there are waterfalls all over the world who use the name "Bridal Veil Falls", and I'm sure that they are all amazing. But this is in Baguio City, yes....in the Philippines. Located just outside of the city through a number of mountainous switchbacks, it took a good 45 minutes to finally reach the waterfalls. We took a taxi from the city centre, which is probably the most expensive way to do it, but our driver was awesome and stopped at different spots along the way to take photos.

The best way is to find a UV Express Van to take you. They can be found around the bus terminal areas and their own passenger terminals, just ask anyone at the bus terminal and they will lead you in the right direction. Most UV Express Vans are air conditioned and can seat up to 14 people. The more people that you have going to a specific destination, the cheaper it is for you. This may change depending on where you are at, just ask the operator.

 Bridal Veil Falls - Baguio City, Philippines

The taxi driver charged us 670 pesos which is about $14-15 US, which to me was well worth it to have your own driver. It was me and my cousin, so if you were to split it in half, that's like $7.50 US, not bad. Oh, and that's round trip! =).

Kennon Rd View Point - Baguio City, Philippines

As far as other things to see in Baguio City, I would highly recommend doing the 2 day Trek to Mt Pulog which is the 2nd highest mountain in the Philippines. We were not able to do it because they do not provide any guided tours during the rainy season, and unfortunately we were in Baguio City during that time =(. We did watch a movie at the SM Baguio, and I was able to hit the gym at Fitness Edge (located inside the SM Mall) which is always a requirement when I travel. Who ever made the excuse about not working out while traveling, or on vacation should do 1,000 burpees like now! =)

Stay active my friends! 

For more travel posts, click here!

Wonder how I have the FREEDOM to travel the world? I'm a Beachbody Coach - Click here!

Take the Beachbody Challenge - Change your life, start now!

Hiking the Banaue Rice Terraces

 View Point - Banaue Rice Terraces, Philippines

We arrived at this small remote village in the Philippines called Banaue. And when I say "we", I mean my cousin that I just met for the very first time ever. Just so you know, this trip to the Philippines is my first time as an adult, and it's been many years since I've had communication with my family here. Oh one more thing, I'm also a filipino ha ha, just in case you didn't know =). I've been taking my cousin backpacking all throughout the Philippines because although he is from Manila, he hasn't seen a lot of his homeland, so I am happy to experience it with him.

  

-----> I WILL POST A VIDEO SOON - STAY POSTED! =) <-----

So after a 10 hour long bus ride from Manila to Banaue, we took a Tri-Motor Bike to Banaue Homestay, which was our base camp for the next few days. Our main focus was to see the Banaue Rice Terraces. The Philippines only has one "Wonder of the World" and it's the Rice Terraces of Banaue. With over 2,000 years of history, I was totally excited to put on my Inov8 212's to start trekking these ancient rice lands! Mind you that I barely had a chance to sleep on the bus to Banaue because it felt like an ice box, it was so darn cold! But that's another blog post =).

Ohayami Trans Bus - Overnight from Manila to Banaue

 (It took about 10 hours from Manila to Banaue overnight)

Taking the Tri-Motor Bike to Banaue Homestay

As soon as we arrived at Banaue Homestay, my cousin and I were immediately greeted by Beatriz who was like the manager/rock star host, I mean this lady was on top of things! Anything we needed, and anything we asked, she accommodated us 110%, and you just don't see a lot of that these days. I mean she literally provided us with "white glove service", I could not say enough good things about her and my experience at Banaue Homestay, you just have to go there and experience it!

Banaue Homestay

See my name on the very far left =)

My cousin and I with Banaue Hosts

(Beatriz is the lady on the right)

Visit Banaue Homestay - Click Here!

Upon checking in, we met some backpackers and they were about to head out on this 7 hour, 10+ mile trek through the rice terraces, and they kindly invited us to join them... at that point, even though we didn't have a lot of sleep, without hesitation, I said heck yes! And within an hour of just checking in, we jumped on top of this "old beat up" SUV and we were off to explore the 2,000 year old rice terraces which included hidden villages, as well as a good handful of majestic waterfalls.

There were a plenty of treks from 3 hours to 14 hours depending on which trail you started with, and what time you began. On day one, we treked for 7 hours (10+ miles) starting from somewhere around the Pula area, and ended up at the village of Batad. The second day was was an easier 4 hour trek which my cousin and I shaved about an hour off, we were flying through the terraces.

During both treks we stopped at various spots to take breaks and took many photos. There were a lot of steep stairs which would probably be difficult for people who have bad knees. What I really enjoyed was going through the remote villages and seeing the cute little kids. About midway through the trip, we also stopped by Cambulo and had a chance to take a dip in the Cambulo River and eat lunch in the village.

Try Shakeology Risk-Free! This is what I drink to Fuel my workouts and travel!

Towards the end of our trek, it started to become pretty dark so we did not have a chance to check out the Tapiya Falls, but we'll hit it next time =). In my opinion, I highly recommend doing the longer treks with a guide because one can get easily lost going through the villages and rice terrace, it's like one gigantic maze!

From breath-taking mountain views, to countless waterfalls, to visiting untarnished villages along the way, this was definitely a trek that I will never forget and plan to come back to. Before leaving the Banaue Rice Terraces, I was able to do my 30 Burpees to add to my 100 Wonders of the World Burpee Challenge. This would be my 8th Wonder of the World, so I just have 92 more to go =)

Watch my 100 Wonders of the World Videos - Click Here!

Anyways, thanks for visiting my blog. My goal is to live life to the fullest, and help people along the way find their true potential. The world is a big place, and it awaits you. Find something that you are truly passionate about, make a good living by helping people around you, and live your life now.

For more travel posts, click here!

Beachbody Coaching gave me the FREEDOM to travel the world - Click here for more information!


Take the Beachbody Challenge - Get Fit and Travel the World with me!

P90X + Body Beast Chest, Shoulders and Arms Hybrid Workout

Slimmers World - Makati City Philippines

I went back and finished off my last day of my 3 day pass at Slimmers World in Makati City. The 3 day gym pass was given to me by the receptionist from the hostel that I was staying at in Makati City, and I definitely took full advantage of it! I'll be heading up north from here to see the Banaue Rice Terraces which is one the the Wonders of the World, and the only "WOW" in the Philippines. So I'm pretty excited about that.

Get P90X and Body Beast Workout Sheets here!

Today I was planning to do the P90X Chest, Shoulders and Arms Workout, but I decided last minute to change it up and do a hybrid P90X/Body Beast workout instead, and it was money! It was just a straight up lifting day today, but I did do a slow 25 minute cool down run on the tread. I did walk to the gym and walked back so I also did a 5k fast walk on top of my gym workout. Everything counts people =).

So here goes, the workout starts off with a chest exercise, followed by a shoulder exercise, then a tricep exercise and repeats for 5X. If you are interested in building mass, then use heavier weight and lower the reps.

P90X/BODY BEAST - Chest, Shoulders and Tris Workout

1.
- Dumbbell Press (15 reps)
- In and Out Shoulder Flys (20)
- Tricep Dips using Bench (30)

2.
- Close Grip Chest to Fly (15)
- Military Press (15)
- Tricep Kick Backs (15 each arm)

3.
- Chest Fly (15)
- Scarecrows (10)
- Overhead Tricep Extension (15)

Try Shakeology Risk-Free - BUY NOW!

4.
- Dumbbell Press Heavy (15)
- 1,2,3 Military Press (8)
- Lying Tricep Extensions on Bench

5.
- Decline Push Ups (30)
- Sagi Six Way (10)
- Overhead Tricep Extensions (15)

25 minute cool down run, then stretch.

 
I love doing hybrid workouts because it keeps thing exciting. I do not recommend the hybrid workout unless you have completed both P90X and Body Beast, or you are at an advanced fitness level, but hey...it's up to you =). It all depends on what your goals are and how your body feels. If you would like a FREE fitness program assessment, feel free to fill it out here, and I can assist you with some options to help you with your goals.

Stay active my friends!


Take the Body Beast Challenge - START TODAY!

Body Beast Total Body Workout - Makati City, Philippines

Body Beast Total Body Workout - Makati City, Philippines

When I travel, I never make an excuse not to workout. It can get pretty challenging at times, but it's a challenge back home as well, so I try not to make it a big deal when I travel because in all reality, it's just an excuse. So I arrived in Manila, Philippines a couple days ago and the first night I arrived pretty late, so I didn't really do anything but catch up on some Beachbody business stuff. I ended up not sleeping at all since I was still trying to get use to the time change from flying in from the USA into Asia, which is a 12 hour difference. When everyone in the Makati City was sleeping, I was wide awake! =)

By the time I knew it, the sun was up and I was very excited to start my day. The night before, I met this traveler from North Dakota who's family became pretty wealthy in the oil business years ago. The cool thing about him is that he didn't act like he was wealthy, or he didn't brag about coming from a family with money. Just like most backpackers that I meet, he was more focused on what life has to offer through the gift of travel. Through my travels, I have met Harvard Grads to down-to-earth millionaires who have started tech companies, travel blogs etc. while traveling, and we all have one thing in common, travel is the best education out there, and most of the world is totally clueless when it comes to doing something that you are truly passionate about.

 Body Beast Total Body - Slimmer's World, Makati City Philippines

So it was now about 6:00 am, and my travel buddy asked me if I wanted to go ahead and hit the gym, which we talked about the night before. We talked about going at 7am, but heck....we were both up so we decided to start the day! Before taking off, the receptionist gave us a couple guest passes to this gym called Slimmer's World. The name sounded a bit weird, but we took the passes, thanked him, and went out the door. We decided to run to a Gold's Gym which was about 1.5 miles away. We figured that the run would be a good little warm up to our workout. It was pretty fun dodging cars and jeepneys along the way, and made for a nice little obstacle run. We finally arrived at the Gold's Gym on Ayala Dr. (Makati City) and requested a day pass. The receptionist told us that it would be 1000 pesos which translates to about $25 US. Now I've been to a lot of gyms when I travel, and I have never paid $25 for a day pass! I've also been to to a few Equinox Gyms around the world and made use of free passes. I mean the most I've ever paid for a day pass is about $5-$10, and that's in the USA.....so paying $25 for a day pass in the Philippines was totally ridiculous! I started thinking that maybe this girl was starting a business on the side or something lol.

We ended up leaving and decided to check out Slimmer's World (Makati City). Our passes were good for 3 days, and when we arrived at the gym, we were totally impressed. The gym had 3 levels with everything that we needed and then some. Body Beast Total Body was the workout of the day, and we added some strength body weight cardio exrecises in between the circuit sets such as burpees, plyometric jumps, and more burpees =). 

It was an awesome workout, and I am definitely looking to my second visit today! If you are ever in Makati City, I highly recommend that you check this place out. Happy travels and stay active my friends! =)

Need more tips about working out while traveling? Contact me and I'd be happy to share some tips to help you stay motivated! =)

Makati City Philippines - Jeepney

Related Links:
- Body Beast information and purchase options
- Other travel posts


Take the Body Beast Challenge - Start today!

Insanity MAX 30 - Coming December 2014

Insanity MAX 30 - Coming December 2014

Are you ready for Celebrity Trainer Shaun T’s latest sweat-inducing, cardio fest? INSANITY MAX:30 (take a sneak peek - video below) is coming this December 2014 and it will be the hardest 30 minutes of your day, hands down! You’ll be challenged to push harder than ever before, and you’ll see the best results of your life. Check this out, the program will have over 150 new moves and sequences featuring killer cardio and tabata strength workouts. There’s no equipment needed and there will be a low-impact modifier in every workout so anyone can push to their MAX.

 Insanity MAX 30 - Find Your Max!

How Does It Work?
It’s time to max out your workouts! What does the heck does that mean? To “MAX OUT” means to stop or fail for the first time in the workout. In INSANITY MAX:30, it's not about getting through all 30 minutes, it's about going as hard as you can for as long as you can, until you MAX OUT. When you start INSANITY MAX:30, you might only get through the first 5 minutes before you MAX OUT. Just record your MAX OUT time, catch your breath, and continue for as long as you can. Track your MAX OUT times over the course of the program. As long as you MAX OUT, you'll get MAX RESULTS in 60 days guaranteed!

Insanity MAX 30 is now available - Get the Challenge Pack now!

Take a SNEAK PEEK of the Insanity MAX 30 workout!

JOIN MY INSANITY MAX 30 TEST GROUP - CLICK HERE!

To get the LATEST updates and information on the NEW Insanity MAX 30, make me your FREE Coach now - Click Here! And you will get information as soon as the workout is released, plus exciting details on my Insanity MAX 30 Challenge (Test Group). It's time to FIND YOUR MAX!

Related Links:
- What is the Beachbody Challenge?
- Free Online Fit Club
- More Shaun T Workouts

Creator of Insanity MAX 30 - Shaun T and I

What's In My Backpack?

What's in my Backpack? Southeast Asia

Hey guys, I'm about to leave for my backpacking trip to Asia, and I am pretty excited! A lot of people have been asking me what I pack when I take off for a backpacking trip, so I decided to post a blog about it and make a quick video (below). Here are the things that I pack in my carry-on Patagonia Backpack: (please note, the list below changes depending on where I am going, and how long I travel)

My Backpacking List for Southeast Asia: (approx. 2 months)
- 10 Tank Tops
- 6 Workout Tops
- 5 Tees
- 3 Convertible Pants (pants that can also be converted to shorts. Also weather resistant with lots of pockets)
- 1 Pair Inov8 All-Terrain Shoes
- 1 Pair Sanuk Flip Flops
- 1 Pair Running/Workout Shoes (what I will be wearing when I depart USA)
- Agility Ladder (for my workouts)
- Jump Rope
- 2 Go Pros
- 1 Portable Hard Drive (I'll be taking a lot of footage!)
- 2 USB (I have some of my Beachbody Workouts on there)
- Power Cords
- Toiletries Bag
- 30 Day Supply of Shakeology (getting another 30 day supply shipped to me in Thailand)
- 1 Shaker Cup
- 1 Micro Fiber Towel (perfect for travel, doesn't take up a lot of room, and packs tight)
- 3 Under Compression (who knows, I might find a race while I'm there)
- 1 Drawstring Strap Bag (I use this when exploring different cities)
- iPhone (don't call me, just email me or facebook me, I am bringing it for emergency purposes to stay in contact with my daughter)
- iPad (when I'm too lazy to use my macbook, oh and to watch Netflix)
- Macbook (this is how I run my Beachbody Coaching business around the world)
- Passport
- Lucky Travel Charms from my Mom =)

And that's it guys! Although I plan to only be in Asia for a couple months, this would be the same list for even a whole year of travel in Asia. Keep in mind that as I travel, I purchase things along the way and also leave things behind, but truth be told, I will never carry more than I need in one backpack. If I buy something and it doesn't somehow fit in my backpack, I simply just find a postal office and ship it back home. My goal is to always travel as light as possible.

Feel free to watch my video below and see how I pack all of this stuff into one Carry-On Patagonia Backpack!

What's In My Backpack? Check out my VIDEO:

I never leave without my Shakeology! Try it risk-free, and you'll see why =)
Chocolate, Vegan Chocolate, Vegan Tropical Strawberry, Strawberry, Vanilla, Greenberry