Move It Mountain View: The Travel Edition

Holiday travels can really put a damper on your workout momentum. But taking a vacation doesn't have to mean taking a break from your workouts.

Creating your own portable gym is an inexpensive way to guarantee that you'll have everything you need to squeeze in a quick workout no matter where you are.

The following are some convenient ways to include cardio, strength and flexibility exercises into your travel training plan.

When you pack, consider taking a few pieces of lightweight equipment with you to have on hand. For instance, a jump rope, and a small four-pound can all fit into a shoebox. If you have the extra room, you can tuck in a yoga mat or a large beach towel to provide some support during floor exercises.

If you prefer to travel without any equipment, you can use easily find the following items just about anywhere:

Paper Plates/Small Towels: For a terrific lower body toner, stand tall with feet together, one plate or towel under your right foot. Slide the plate or towel behind you with your right foot so that the stabilizing leg bends at the knee. Slowly drag the plate or towel back to the starting position. You can also do this exercise laterally by bringing the right foot out to the side. Repeat on the other side.

To strengthen the muscles in the core and upper body, bring your hands and knees to the floor and create a diagonal line from the top of your head to your knees. Place the plates or towels underneath your palms, and slide the plate or towel forward with one hand while keeping the rest of the body still. Return to starting position and repeat on the other side.

Long Scarf/ Towel: Use a long scarf or towel to increase your range of motion when stretching. They can also be used to provide stability during abdominal exercises. Sitting on a mat, wrap the towel around one foot and hold it tightly with both hands. Bending at the knees, lift one leg off the floor and bring it in to the chest while the opposite hand reaches toward the foot. Extend the hand back open and out as you extend the knee back to the starting position and then straighten the leg.

Water Bottles: You can fill up a water bottle and use it as a weight to perform bicep curls, tricep extensions, lateral raises or shoulder presses. Just about any exercise you can do with a dumbbell can be done with a large water bottle (provided it is slender enough to wrap your hand around it.)

If you are staying in a hotel, check with concierge about local gyms and studios that have special drop-in offers. These days, you can find a Zumba or a Yoga class in nearly every city. And where there is a hotel, there is likely to be stairs, which you can do sprints, tricep dips, and push-ups on in the early morning hours.

Wherever you go during the holidays, remember to take your fitness with you! Have safe and happy travels!

Download the movie