So I've decided that I have some real goals I want to achieve. I really want to be camera ready when I return from tour to go out there, get a great agent, and keep working.

and i just want to feel better overall.

so i'm on tour with SOMA, meaning week-long engagements in new cities and new countries all the time.

from our previous 3 cities, i know this- our first hotel had no gym but we could join an over priced gym nearby. our second two hotels had great gyms that i didn't use nearly as often as i should.

so i'm wondering how you touring actors keep fit while on tour.

BF and i bought me some tension cords and a jump rope, as well as a ballet strengthening DVD and the jillian dvd set (from biggest loser). my problem is that i can't carry around weights and equipment. even these DVDs require light dumbells and a stepper. i can subtitute water bottles for dumbells, but no stepper.

so i'm wondering what you all do when you get to hotels with little to no gym.

Running up the stairwells of the hotels is one idea. Also, doing lunges instead of stepping might work.

Jacktressk -

Are you looking for cardio workout or strength training?

One really great way to get a good workout without minimal "stuff" is yoga. You can get yourself a great DVD with multiple levels of workouts. I'd suggest Rodney Yee. Here's a link:

http://www.gaiam.com/category/yoga-studio/yoga-instruct...keyword=rodney%20yee

You'll see some gear in yoga videos (i.e. straps, boxes, etc), but you don't need that stuff. You can use a belt or a bathrobe sash for the strap. You can use stacked books or a suitcase or other gear for a box, if you find you need one (depends on flexibility).

Once you get the moves down you can do Yoga anywhere without the DVD. It's got many benefits, not the least of which that yoga teaches you to be aware of your posture -- a great bonus for actors!


PS tell ZS (Kurt) that Tanya from the radio station says "hi"... her kids send a big hello too!

i think we have some of his DVDs, actually. i'll have to check!

Acting takes me on the road a lot, so I can relate.
I absolutely LOVE my new exercise cables by Perform Better (you can Google them). I got the "JC Travel Bands." They come in different strengths, I use the first two. All you need is to slide the tab under a door and you're good to go!! I can work up a pretty good sweat with them even in cramped quarters. Then I alternate cardio and yoga to two DVDs I bring with me everywhere. Works for me.
N.

which DVDs do you have?

You're gonna laugh... but my cardio DVD is the one by Jane Fonda, which is probably a joke by now but I'm used to it and it still works for me. The yoga video is by Racquel Welch, before she got sued by Bikram (that "hot yoga" guy) who she apparently stole all her stuff from!! He made her take it off the market but its still all his methods, without the heat of course.
Did you check out those latex workout bands?? If you ever use them, you'll never be without them.
N.

When traveling, I have found that the biggest issue is not exercise, but diet. Be hyper vigilant about what - and how much - goes in. If you can, get others to join you in your 'healthy eating'. Good luck!

quote:

When traveling, I have found that the biggest issue is not exercise, but diet.

This is SO true!! And I"m happy you guys are talking about this, because we are going to interview a trainer and nutritionist about this very topic on an upcoming episode.

In the meantime, jactress, I can recommend that you look into a "boot camp" workout before you go. If you want a recommendation, pm me and I'll set you up. Those boot camps offer all kinds of great ideas for exercises that use only your own body weight and things you can find in most parking lots for tools.

Also...RUN STAIRS!!! Greatest workout ever. You can find them outside or run the ones in your hotel. I used to do this in my 20 story dorm and had an ass off of which you could bounce a quarter!!

Stairs.

Track your foods on paper.

Figure out what you can control. LIke cereal for breakfast.

Sacks.

Eating out for lunch and dinner is a weigh gain formula. I KNOW. I gained 13 pound the last time I was out of town working. That's a steady 2 pounds per week. Weigh yourself if you can. I think the feedback would have helped me. Pay close attention to the food. I agree with D.

have fun and good luck.