Going out of town doesn’t have to mean getting out of shape. Pack some of this gear in your suitcase–and don’t pack on the pounds:
– AquaBells are inflatable travel weights for vacationers who want to flex their muscles, sans gym. The weights fill with water. A dumbbell/ankle weight set costs $65 at www.aquabells.com.
– ExerSocks are a cross between a sport sock and a sneaker, made for active people who need a cardio fix on the road, with or without a fitness center. The cushy peds have non-slip soles. Wear them while walking a treadmill or doing impromptu aerobics in your hotel room. And they don’t take up a lot of suitcase space. ExerSocks are available for $9.99 in various colors at www.crescentmoonyoga.com.
– Lightweight, portable resistance bands and tubes are great for toning your muscles. They come in different sizes and strengths and are available at fitness stores for about $12.
– Folded, the Training Fan takes up about as much suitcase space as a hairbrush but packs in 74 exercises and 20 stretches. The guide organizes the exercises by color-coded muscle groups; each card explains the move and its benefits. Order for $24.95 at www.flight001.com, or visit www.trainingfan.com for other guides, such as the Yoga Fan and Mini Golf Fan.
– The Stretch-Out Strap gives flexible travelers the benefits of partner stretching–minus the partner. The strap, made of durable nylon, comes with a video and guide that targets major muscle groups. Order for $29.95 at www.optp.com.
– If you can’t pack your personal trainer, then pack the Traveling Trainer. Inside are resistance tubes of different strengths, exercise cards, a healthy-diner’s guide and an instructional video. Order for $49.95 at www.flight001.com.
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Edited by Cara DiPasquale ([email protected]) and Kris Karnopp ([email protected])