Hey Team, Writing to you from the road this week. Anytime I’m away from home, I call on my creative juices to figure out the best and most efficient way to get a sweat in. Whether I’m traveling for work or pleasure, being far from my gym, kitchen and overall routine can be challenging. This week in particular, I’m in New Hampshire for a friend’s wedding. The first piece to come to terms with is that not everyone, actually, mostly everyone at the wedding is not going to be thinking about working out. The bride and groom completed their 12-week walk-the-aisle bootcamp along with a majority of the wedding party. When the rehearsal dinner hits, all bets are off. Grab the drink tickets and buckle up. Though folks like you and I, the fitness warriors of the group, will likely think a bit differently. Exhibit A is that I’m writing this during my zone 2 incline walk the morning of the wedding itself. I’m due for hair and makeup in 90. Over the years of weddings near and far, I’ve found a few useful tips to keep me looking and feeling good for the main event itself. After all, aren’t weddings partially a time to show off improvements in your life since you last saw some of the guests? Keep that internal thought between us until I complete my civil bridesmaid duties in seven hours. Try the following for your next wedding: - Ease into alcohol: I get it, you’re equally nervous and excited for the reunions that are likely far overdue. If you’re there the night before to be in town for arrivals or attending the rehearsal festivities, start slow. Alternate your water intake to stay hydrated and consider it your gentle dynamic warmup for the next night. Higher alcohol has been proven to decrease quality of sleep, specifically your deep sleep cycle, leaving you feel unrefreshed and groggy. It also increases systemic inflammation as your organs work to cycle it out of your system. If you want to look and feel your best for the day itself, stick to one drink or opt for water. A warning on mocktails: sugar will have similar effects as alcohol.
- Move your body: It doesn’t have to be the 90-minute leg day you had programmed. Go for a walk, bring a band for glutes and shoulders, create a quick hitting bodyweight circuit. Any event comes with loads of sitting whether you’re traveling or simply sitting at table 20 with strangers conducting forced conversation. Get your gentle movement in early to promote blood flow and circulation for the day ahead.
- Plan your food: Now I’m not insisting we do it chicken and broccoli in tupperware style, even I’m not that committed, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t come with some already prepared meals and a few healthy snack options. Do some research of the area around your hotel/venue ahead of time. If you’re in driving distance it doesn’t hurt to make a few extra kits in meal prep the week before and if you’re flying, scout out your best options to see if it would be better to stop somewhere that’s on the way to where you’re going upon touchdown. Control a majority of your meals in the time before and after the wedding itself so your body and mind don’t have to think twice before reaching for that second piece of cake.
- Be flexible: This goes beyond your ability to do a split in slacks on the dance floor. Save that for the final hour, just in case. Like all travel it’s important to understand not everything is going to go according to plan. You might not hit your macros and the hotel gym may not have big enough weights to get in a pre-ceremony arm pump, but showing up for the people you love sometimes comes with sacrifices. Focus on controlling the controllable and don’t forget to have some fun.
Enjoy the weddings ahead this year and remember that cake calories don’t count. 😉 Until next time. 👋 | 
