3 Easy-to-Pack Tools That Keep Us Moving on the Road
How we stay consistent even when you’re nowhere near a gym.
I (Jason) travel a lot for work long drives, early flights, and full days on the move.
And besides a warm shower, one of the things that really helps me feel grounded and in control is a solid workout.
But here’s the problem:
Hotel gyms often feel like a closet with random gear stuffed in it.
The dumbbells are missing pairs, the machines are awkward, and you’re lucky if the treadmill isn’t from 2006.
So I had to figure out something that worked for real life.
Something I could pack, carry, and use anywhere even in a cramped hotel room or parking lot.
Here are three tools I rely on every time I hit the road and how you can use them too.
1. Resistance Bands (with Handles)
These are our #1 most-used travel tool lightweight, compact, and surprisingly effective.
We use them for:
Full-body strength workouts
Shoulder rehab/mobility
HIIT circuits
Pre-workout warmups (hotel beds aren’t great for back health 😅)
Pro Tip: Get a set that includes a door anchor you can turn any doorway into a full-body workout station.
🛒 Check out the resistance band set we use →
2. A Collapsible Exercise Mat or Yoga Pad
Hotel carpet + bodyweight exercises = a no go.
We pack a foldable or roll-up mat so we can train without discomfort or rug burn.
Do bodyweight circuits without pain or rug burn
Stretch and foam roll post-flight or long drive
Get floor work done without picking up someone else's carpet funk
Lightweight. Easy to fold. Doesn’t take up much room in your suitcase.
Just makes everything easier.
🛒 Here's a mat that folds flat and travels well →
3. RipStick Portable Resistance Trainer
When space is at an absolute premium, this is the best option.
Small, lightweight, ultra-portable and you need almost zero space for the workouts.
The RipStick is a minimalist’s dream. It gives you targeted resistance training for your upper body using adjustable tension bands in a compact, all-in-one setup.
Why we love it:
Super small footprint – fits in any travel bag or backpack
Adjustable resistance – most kits offer 20–60 lbs of tension
Perfect for shoulders, arms, and back
Great for joint-friendly rehab movements too
We use it for quick morning shoulder activations, hotel pump sets, or upper-body recovery when we’re tight on space or time.
Pro Tip: If you're working all day and just need a 10-minute burnout this is your weapon. don’t let its size fool you. it absolutely packs a punch.
🛒 Here’s the RipStick we use →
The Simple Travel Routine We Use
When we're short on time and space, here's what a typical travel workout looks like:
🚶♂️ 2-minute warmup
🔁 Resistance band circuit (push, pull, core)
🧘 Stretch it out on the mat
It’s not fancy.
It’s not complicated.
But it keeps us moving and that’s the point movement over perfection.
If you're traveling for work, vacation, or chaos you don’t have to lose momentum.
Just pack smarter. Plan ahead.
And make your fitness non-negotiable wherever you are.
Got a favorite travel workout tool?
Drop it in the comments we’re always looking to upgrade the road kit.
Want to see the tools that helped us through our first few weeks?
Check out our What We Use page here →
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