Have you ever packed your running shoes and workout gear — only to ignore them completely while on vacation or a business trip?

Maybe you've done this a number of times — so many, in fact, that you've given up and have started leaving the workout gear at home.

Maybe you've told yourself that the running shoes are too bulky to fit in your suitcase.

Or too much of a hassle to wear to the airport, and then untie and re-tie at the TSA checkpoint.

Or maybe you've decided that your running shoes are too bulky to fit in your suitcase — and they're too uncool to wear on the plane. They'd ruin the airport-chic look you're trying to achieve.

Let me tell you something — the airport is hardly a high fashion runway. In fact, airports probably have the highest per-capita occurrence of fashion dont's for any public setting.

More importantly, no one at the airport cares about what you're wearing. They're all too bleary-eyed and burned-out from navigating 4am wakeup calls or red-eyes, delayed flights, double-for-a-dollar-more drinks at the bar, or waiting in supersized lines for a burger or sugary drink that will guarantee an uncomfortable and significant bloat upon arrival at their final destination.

So wear the shoes.

Get some super stylish running shoes if you're worried about your “look,” then deal with the extra 30 seconds it might take you to tie/re-tie at security.

It'll be totally worth it. Here's why…

ALL VACATION/TRAVEL WORKOUTS ARE EPIC WORKOUTS

You might be saying — seriously? How can a vacation workout possibly compare to my at-home workouts: spinning class, hot yoga, deadlifts?

To be honest, it can't.

But it doesn't need to.

You see, vacation and road workouts require different criteria.

When you're away from home, I submit that these are the only two guidelines that matter:

#1. Do whatever sounds the most fun.

#2. And — do whatever you have time for.

See how easy that is?

Don't compare your road workouts to your regular routine. Chances are they can't possibly live up to what you can do when you're at home and have all of the regular resources such as your gym membership or workout buddies.

The vacation/road workout is about something else entirely.

It's about moving your body — ideally once a day — so you can keep the blood flow (and some endorphins) going. Especially if you're attending a conference, and are required to sit in a windowless meeting room for hours on end.

Road workouts are about boosting your body's ability to detox all of those french fries you're having. Or those margaritas you're sucking back at the pool.

In addition, the vacation workout is all about helping you stay grounded in your body and provide some balance so you can have more energy — both on your vacation and especially when you return — instead of feeling bloated and sluggish.

What might a vacation workout look like?

Here are a few examples from my recent trip to Miami.

One day, I went for a leisurely walk outside. No big deal — probably a half hour or so.

Another day I was short on time, and settled for a 20-minute online workout in my hotel room.

The next day, I attended a Pilates class at a local studio — a real treat since I don't get to do much Pilates at home.

A day later, I had more time on my hands, so I set out for a longer walk. At some point, I thought it would be fun to start running, so I tried that. I turned on the Rich Roll podcast — my favorite! — and kept going and going until I got to the Rickenbacker Causeway bridge, a bridge I've always wanted to explore.

Running across the bridge was incredible — gorgeous views, and I completely surprised myself by tricking myself into doing a bigger workout while on vacation.

Now, if I had told myself I was going to set out for a long run in the 90-degree, super humid weather I never would have made it.

Instead, I simply went for a walk. Which turned into something more ambitious at some point during my workout.

When I got back to Portland last weekend, I definitely felt more energized and stronger than I have upon returns from previous vacations.

Plus, the dreaded “first workout back” at my gym wasn't nearly as torturous as it can be when I've been completely sedentary for a week or two.

All thanks to the unassuming, sometimes underachieving, and definitely underrated vacation workout.

Try it out the next time you're on the road.

And remember — bring the (running) shoes!

Want to learn more tips for staying healthy on vacation?

Then check out Camp Kale, my online nutrition and lifestyle coaching program for living your healthiest summer yet.

Camp Kale Activities

• Learn powerful “flex-tox” strategies to help manage weight, and balance the body, while indulging in summer treats and festivities.
• Use improved nutrition (eat more fruits and vegetables!) to look and feel good in our swimsuits, running shorts, and party attire.
• Celebrate summer’s bounty with delicious “real food” recipes: smoothies, breakfast dishes, juices, salads, soups, “bowls,” wraps, grill/skillet meals and other tasty fare.
• Explore the benefits of incorporating “raw” and plant-based foods into our diet, regardless of the kind of protein we eat.
• Support and strengthen your body with enhanced nutrition coaching from a certified holistic nutritionist.

Who Needs Camp Kale?

• Those of us who partied our faces off last summer.
• The “veggie-challenged” — people who know they “should” eat more vegetables, but haven’t figured out how to make that happen just yet.
• People who are trying to manage their cholesterol, weight, body mass index or blood sugar levels — and could benefit from some extra guidance and support around nutrition, meal planning and cooking.
• Omnivores, vegetarians, vegans, take-out junkies, Paleo-ists, the Plant-Curious — anyone who has fallen into a flavor rut and wants to excite the palate with fresh and simple seasonal recipes.
• People who are interested in learning more about juicing, healthy smoothies, raw foods, and nutrient-dense superfoods.

Want more details? Click here for info on Camp Kale.

Or if you're ready to register for Camp Kale ($139), then click here!