As a former NCAA athlete and habitual marathon runner, fitness was always a big part of my life. No matter where I was, I’d fit in a couple hours for the gym—from finding out where the closest/best facilities were, to making the trek there, and willing myself to hit my daily work out goals.
Years later, I’d take another extreme approach while working and traveling—rarely making it to the hotel gym, if ever. Instead, I chose to have that extra couple glasses of wine, eat that last piece of bread, and explore “xx” city into the wee hours of the morning (#sheonlylivesonceright?) To me, thoroughly enjoying myself and fitting in exercise didn’t go hand in hand.
It took me a couple years to realize the obvious: YES, you can absolutely fit a good work out into a packed vacation. The two aren’t mutually exclusive and it’s truly all about moderation. That’s why I love the Johnson & Johnson’s Official 7 Minute Work App that helps me stay on track of my fitness goals—no matter when and where I roam.
The free app—developed by Chris Jordan, Director of Exercise Physiology at the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute®—has been downloaded by more than 3 million people, myself included, since it debuted in 2014.
The premise: 22 quick and simple workouts that can be done anywhere, anytime—no gear required. The featured workouts draw on the scientific benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which works your body fast and hard for just a few minutes, interspersed with short periods of recovery, to effectively strengthen muscles and improve heart health.
Johnson & Johnson has rounded up four common summer scenarios, when a seven-minute workout could come in handy, and paired them with simple moves from the app that can be done on the go. Check them out here and let me know what you think in the comments section.
Last but not least, I’ll be using the #JnJ fitness track as I head out for my last leg of travel for 2018 and I hope you will too. So, here’s what I want from you. (Wait, did you guys think I was going to leave y’all without a challenge?) Simply try one of the workouts when you have a small window of time. If you accept, please tag #LiveHealthyLiveWell on your 7-minute work out on Instagram and I’ll give you a shout via @trishlist + @she_only_lives_once.
Wishing you all a very Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! #LiveHealthyLiveWell