#78: Recovery Hacks for On-the-Go Athletes

At times, travel and fitness seem to collide completely. Can you truly stay healthy and fit if you’re constantly on the go? Yes! We’re here to help you marry the two worlds. Much of it comes down to your recovery. Sure, this might require a few extra steps on your end, but travel does a number on your body, which is why it’s vital that you put in the time and effort necessary to recover. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, keep reading for valuable recovery travel hacks for athletes who are often on-the-go.

3 Recovery Travel Hacks for Athletes

1. Drink an Adequate Amount of Water

We know you already know this, but it’s so important that we want to stress it anyway: Hydration is everything. 

The old adage is eight glasses a day. However, there are too many variables to use this as a rule of thumb for everybody. Your body size matters. Bigger people need more water than smaller people. Your climate matters. People living in or traveling to the desert need more water than people in more humid climates. Your fitness level matters. Athletes who train six hours a day need more water than athletes who train one hour a day.

A more appropriate rule of thumb? Aim for one fluid ounce of water per pound of bodyweight and see how that feels. Then, adjust as needed.

You already know it’s important to drink sufficient water. But what you might not know is that hydration plays a key role in recovery. When you drink water, you help to flush toxins out of the body. You’re also better able to transport nutrients and oxygen to your cells and organs. 

Plus, water helps to lubricate your joints and also encourages better sleep.

All of this ultimately means reduced muscle soreness and tightness.

Now, add onto this the additional wear and tear your body experiences due to travel. A disrupted sleep schedule, differing time zones, excessive sitting on the plane (more on this in a moment), fluctuating nutrition — there are all sorts of variables that make it difficult for athletes on the go to stay fit and healthy. 

Start with hydration. Don’t leave your hotel room without a full bottle of water, and if you eat out, opt for water over pop or alcohol. (It’s okay to indulge every now and then, though! Just be mindful of how often you do it.)

This is the simplest of travel hacks but so incredibly powerful.

2. Bring Your Electric Muscle Stimulation Device

When you’re creating your travel list, don’t forget PowerDot, because electric muscle stimulation will be a lifesaver when it comes to your flight.

Here’s the thing: Excessive sitting is bad for you. Really bad. However, when you’re on a flight, you don’t have much of a choice. Of course, you can get up and pace the aisle; but for an athlete, this hardly does the job. The result? Poor circulation, stiff muscles, cramps, and compromised mobility. 

If you’re guessing that this will significantly impact your performance in the gym (not to mention your general health), you guessed correctly.

That’s why PowerDot is one of your travel essentials. The electrical pulses that it sends along your skin and nerves cause your muscles to contract. So, it’s as if your muscles are engaged and doing work even when you’re sitting in that cramped middle seat.

This means that your body will continue to enjoy some of the benefits of physical activity even though you’re sedentary. PowerDot helps to maintain healthy circulation, mobility, and recovery. Don’t limit its usage to the plane, either. When you’re winding down in your hotel room at night, make time for a session. Your body will thank you for it.

In a nutshell, be sure that your electric muscle stimulation unit makes it onto your travel packing list. This is one of our top recommended travel necessities, and you’ll be glad you brought it.

3. Have a Nutrition Plan Ahead of Time

Don’t wait until you get to your destination to figure out how you’re going to maintain your nutrition plan. You need sufficient time to plan your travel nutrition accordingly. 

For instance, before your trip, get online and see what will be available to you locally at your destination. Are there healthy restaurants in the immediate area? What about grocery stores or convenience stores? Are they within walking distance? A quick drive? 

With your accommodations, will you have a kitchen to work with? If you have the option to cook, you’re in luck. If not, does the room at least have a mini fridge? What will be available to you?

Don’t forget, too, that if you typically use a meal prep and delivery service, many of them allow you to change your delivery address and update it to wherever you’ll be staying during your travels. See if this is an option for you. 

While you might be finding yourself needing to supplement your calories with items like easy snacks and nutrition shakes, aim to maintain your typical eating plan as much as you possibly can. The less you can disrupt your body, the better. But because your normal routine is going to be at least a little thrown off, we recommend using something like a nutrition journal to be mindful of what you put in your body. This will help you stay on track.

Traveling is usually pretty tricky for athletes. We’re creatures of habit and we like our routines. But knowing how to adapt when that predictability and stability are gone will help make traveling easier. Use these travel hacks to maintain your fitness no matter where life takes you. Stay sufficiently hydrated, use PowerDot to keep your muscles and joints healthy, and have a nutrition plan ahead of time.

Whether you’re about to embark on business travel or a trip for leisure, you’ll find it more manageable than ever before.

Did you like this blog? Learn more about how to stay healthy while traveling.

Shop PowerDot’s collections today.